Novos Caminhos: Leading Voices in Brazilian Music

Novos Caminhos is the meeting of two leading voices in Brazilian instrumental music: Ian Coury (10-string mandolin) and Igor Souza (7-string guitar). United by their love of choro and samba, they blend technical mastery and creativity to honor tradition while reimagining it for new audiences. Born from an instant musical connection, their collaboration offers original compositions and inventive interpretations of Brazilian classics, with improvisation and modern arrangements that echo global jazz influences.

Novos Caminhos is more than a show, it’s an artistic manifesto celebrating the continuity and evolution of Brazil’s rich musical heritage, inviting listeners on a journey through roots and possibilities that bridge generations and cultures. Their performances aim to deliver a live experience that is deeply Brazilian yet open to the world, captivating diverse audiences from traditional fans to those eager for new sounds.

By 12, Ian Coury had already performed with Brazilian choro legends Armandinho and Hamilton de Holanda. Now 23, he is a leading virtuoso of the 10-string mandolin, redefining choro and instrumental music. He has performed with Paquito D’Rivera, Claudio Roditi, and Toninho Horta, earning awards such as “Best Instrumentalist” at the National FM Radio Festival (2020).

A Brasília native, Ian began playing mandolin at 8 and later attended Berklee College of Music on a full scholarship, receiving the String Department Award. He has taught workshops at Harvard, MIT, and the University of Colorado Boulder and launched the first online Brazilian mandolin course in the U.S. on Peghead Nation.

Ian has performed at NAMM and received accolades from Brazil’s House of Representatives. He continues pushing the mandolin's boundaries, captivating international audiences with his technical mastery and innovative style.

At 24, Igor Souza is a talented musician, arranger, producer, and educator from Rio de Janeiro. He began playing at six and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education from UNIRIO. Known as the “7-String Guitar Phenomenon of Brazil,” Igor has taught over 900 students and performed in five European countries and across Brazil. He has toured with Xande de Pilares on the “Xande Canta Caetano” tour, performed in Rio’s Carnival with top samba schools since 2016, and worked with Grammy-winning artist Esperanza Spalding. A sought-after studio musician, he has contributed to TV Globo soundtracks, including the iconic Globeleza theme. In 2025, he released his debut album with Saulo Fernandes on Japan’s Pyramid Label, and in 2026 he will release Novos Caminhos, a collaborative project with mandolinist Ian Coury, showcasing his versatility in choro, samba, and Brazilian instrumental music.

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