João Lenhari
About Me
Hello, I am João Lenhari. I am a trumpet player, composer, arranger, and educator. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Trumpet from UNICAMP (Brazil), a Specialization Diploma in Popular Music from FACCAMP (Brazil), a Master's degree in Studies and Instrumental Performance from UNICAMP, and a Doctorate in Jazz Performance from the University of Montreal (Canada).
Living in Montréal since September 2021, I have had the opportunity to play and record with some great musicians from the international and local scene, such as ONJ, C’est Si Bon, Yves Tourgeon Big Band, Alberto El Canario, Frankie Morales, Patrice Luneau Big Band, Leo Bae Big Band, Julian Gutierrez Project, FILMarmonique Orchestra, Diogo Ramos, Michael Srey Swing Legacy Band, Chico Pinheiro, Manoel Vieira, John Roney, Ron Di Lauro, Café Fuerte Project, Jean-Pierre Zanella, among others.
I am the first Doctor in Jazz Performance from the University of Montreal and had the pleasure and honor of being guided by the Canadian legend Ron Di Lauro. With the retirement of Mr. Di Lauro, I took over the role of the new Musical Director of the University of Montreal Big Band in the fall session of 2023.
As an educator, I have been teaching trumpet since my mid-twenties and had the opportunity to teach at the Tatuí Conservatory for five years, as well as giving masterclasses and coaching trumpet players in Brazil and now in Canada.
As an arranger, I have contributed to some great projects such as the movie Chacrinha, o Velho Guerreiro, Diogo Ramos’ album Cabaça, and the entire discography of the samba rock group Sandália de Prata and Banda Urbana. I also arranged Tais Reganelli’s award-winning single “Medo.”
Additionally, I composed the music for the short film Inevitable and was a two-time finalist for the Professionals of Music Award as Best Arranger
In 2024, I launched my new project, the João Lenhari Brazilian Big Band, a Canadian-based quintet dedicated to Brazilian samba-jazz. In 2025, I recorded an album in São Paulo with some of Brazil’s finest musicians and completed a duo recording with virtuoso pianist Manoel Vieira. Both albums are scheduled for release in 2026.
Professional Experience
Bands & Groups
In Brazil, I have been actively involved as an arranger, composer, and trumpeter with renowned groups such as Banda Urbana (as musical director), Orquestra Jabaquara, Banda Jazzco, Nelson Ayres Big Band, We-Jam Big Band, Soundscape Big Band, Banda Mantiqueira, Sandália de Prata, Leticia Persiles, Tais Reganeli, among others artists and TV and movies soundtracks. He is also a member of the ensemble accompanying the legendary Brazilian singer Roberto Carlos.
Residing in Montreal, Canada, I have had the privilege of performing with esteemed big bands in Montreal such as ONJ, C’est si Bon, Yves Tourgeon, Patrice Luneau, and Leo Bae. Additionally, he is a member of the Julian Gutierrez Project and Diogo Ramos groups. Leading the Café Fuerte Project, a quartet dedicated to performing original Brazilian and Colombian music, they released their first EP in 2024.
Rafael Picoloto & Orquestra Urbana
Pelos Ares
Osesp, Banda Mantiqueira & Luciana Souza
Performance
I am a jazz/commercial player with a specialization in large and small ensembles and it is easy to find me playing:
- Jazz
- Pop
- Brazilian music
- Latin
- Classical
UPCOMING EVENTS
Agenda
Upcoming concerts and events