After returning from a tour in Rio, the initiative “Choro en Provence” is offering several concerts and workshops in May in Salon-de-Provence and Lauris.
After several months of activities establishing a strong cultural connection between Provence and Rio de Janeiro, the series of events “Choro en Provence” continues its programming in May with a series of concerts, workshops, and meetings. The initiative, led by the company La Roda based in Aix-en-Provence, confirms its ambition to promote Brazilian popular music in the region.
A musical bridge between Provence and Rio de Janeiro
Musicians Cristiano Nascimento and Claire Luzi, key figures in the project, have just returned from a three-week tour in Rio de Janeiro. Accompanied by Cécile Devors, they presented “Linha Dois,” Cristiano Nascimento’s latest creation, at the heart of carioca culture. This trip was marked by high-profile interventions and encounters: participation in Trem do Choro for the national choro day, musical sessions (“rodas”) with renowned local artists like the twins Valter and Valdir Silva, and a visit to the Memória do Cavaquinho Brasileiro Institute. A chance encounter with the famous musician Hamilton de Holanda in front of Pixinguinha’s historic house, one of the fathers of choro, symbolically crowned this immersive journey.
Choro evenings in Salon-de-Provence
The program in Provence begins on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 8 pm at the Salon de Musique / IMFP in Salon-de-Provence with an introductory choro workshop. This evening will allow participants to discover the rhythms, codes, and socio-historical context of this musical genre born in the 19th century. The workshop is open to IMFP students as well as ticket holders for the concert the next day.
On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, the same venue will host a major evening dedicated to Cristiano Nascimento. The first part, entitled “Portraits,” will present an intimate duo between the guitarist and Wim Welker (7-string guitar, viola nordestine, jazz guitar). The second part will focus on the project “Linha Dois,” where Cristiano Nascimento’s seven-string guitar interacts with the flute, mandolin, melodica, and pandeiro. The compositions, drawing from samba, forró, and candomblé, oscillate between tradition and innovation. Ticket prices range from 8 to 18 euros.
Reservations are open on the Salon de Musique website (https://www.salondemusique13.fr).
Choro at the “Voix Partagées” festival in Lauris
On Saturday, May 30, and Sunday, May 31, 2026, choro will take over the streets of Lauris, in Vaucluse, as part of the Voix Partagées festival. The group “Linha Dois” will offer a “Roda de choro,” an immersive format where musicians get close to the audience for moments of musical sharing. The program will also include performances by the La Roda Choir, a preview presentation of an excerpt from “Bodas de Choro” (a new creation by the Luzi-Nascimento duo), as well as singing and percussion workshops. Access to these events is free and does not require a reservation.
More information is available on the Destination Luberon website (https://www.destinationluberon.com/page/voix-partagees+68307.html).
The La Roda Choir in concert in Pertuis
Finally, on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 5:30 pm, the La Roda Choir will perform at the auditorium of the Les Carmes media library in Pertuis. Under the direction of Claire Luzi, the vocal ensemble will perform their repertoire of choro, samba, and forró, combining polyphonies and body percussion. The concert is free, with mandatory reservation by phone at 04 90 07 24 80.
The complete program of events can be found on the organization’s official website: https://www.laroda.fr.
