• Tell us about your journey in a few words.

I am Brazilian and have been living in Montreal for two years. I earned my bachelor's and master's degrees at Unicamp in Brazil. I recently completed a doctorate in jazz performance at UdeM and currently direct its Big Band while serving as a guest professor. In Brazil, I performed with some of the country's most renowned groups, including Banda Mantiqueira, Soundscape Big Band, Banda Jazzco, and the Nelson Ayres Big Band. In 2006, I co-founded Banda Urbana with trumpeter Rubinho Antunes and served as its musical director until I moved to Canada. I have recorded and performed with major artists in Brazil and continue to play with Roberto Carlos’ band, one of the most iconic figures in Brazilian popular music history.

In Canada, I’ve had opportunities to perform with big bands led by Yves Turgeon, Patrice Luneau, and Leo Bae. I am also part of ensembles led by Cuban pianist Julian Gutierrez and Brazilian pianist Manoel Vieira, who are both guest professors at UdeM, alongside singer and composer Diogo Ramos. Additionally, I co-lead the Cafe Fuerte project, a collective blending Brazilian and Colombian music. This year, my project, João Lenhari Big Band, officially launched, and in 2025, I aim to record my first album featuring my compositions and arrangements.

• What inspired you to play your instrument?

I was drawn to the trumpet after watching the Brazilian TV series Rainha da Sucata, in which one of the characters plays this instrument.

• How would you describe your teaching approach?

I love inspiring students to give their best by fostering discussions about music interpretation in general. I don’t aim to be the sole authority but rather to offer guidance and alternatives that enrich their musical, technical, and artistic journeys.

• What do you consider the most essential qualities for a trumpet player?

Not just for trumpet players but for all musicians, I value an understanding of various musical styles and, most importantly, sound quality. I encourage my students to develop their musical knowledge and focus on the richness of their sound.

• Who are your favorite artists, music groups, or albums?

I am a big fan of big band music, particularly the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra. The first big band album I ever listened to was a live tribute to Buddy Rich, sparking a deep passion for this genre. Another life-changing album was Dedication by Thad Jones.

Last year, I listened to Mystic Mind by the Orchestre National de Jazz de Montréal, which deepened my admiration for the work of Jean Nicolas Trottier, a colleague here at the Faculty of Music.

• A memorable professional encounter?

Throughout my career, I have met several influential people, but meeting Nahor Gomes in Brazil and Ron Di Lauro here in Canada has been transformative. I am incredibly grateful to Ron for everything he has taught me and for his friendship.

• Tell us about concerts that have left a lasting impression on you.

The first live big band concert I attended in Brazil and watching the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra at the Village Vanguard in New York were both defining moments for me.

A standout performance I was part of was my debut at the prestigious Radio City Music Hall in New York with singer Roberto Carlos, during a widely celebrated tour marking his 50-year career.

Spring 2024