Experience Choro Northwest
Artistic Director
Douglas Lora
Three-time Grammy nominee guitarist and composer Douglas Lora moves with versatility through the worlds of Classical and Popular Music and has established himself as one of the most prominent artists of his generation.Â
With his wide musical repertoire, Douglas has collaborated with renowned artists such as YoYo Ma, Paquito d’Rivera, Assad Brothers, Anat Cohen, Marco Pereira, Jovino Santos Neto, Ney Rosauro, Marina Piccinini, Paulo Bellinati, among others.Â
Artist Faculty
2027 Faculty to be announced soon. See 2026 faculty listed below:
Workshop
-Ensemble coaching with faculty: up to ten participants per ensemble will each be coached by one faculty member. No performance required.
-The bandĂŁo! The all-participant big band will rehearse and perform three arrangements of choros. The bandĂŁo was a new feature last year and a big hit. We realized that we could cut the rehearsal time in half, providing more time for small ensemble coaching.
-A masterclass for pre-formed groups that would like to play and be coached by faculty while the rest of the participants observe.
-Group sessions with special topics such as rhythm warm-ups.
You need to be over 18 years old to attend this workshop.
Schedule
Schedule for 2027 to be shared soon
Costs
2026 Costs
- Tuition $650
- Housing $450 ($40 less than last April!)
- Meal plan: $325 for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Our new food service provider is locally based Planted. Planted offers nourishing plant-based meals and ingredients that are locally sourced from the Olympic Peninsula. For more info on Planted, visit plantedporttownsend.com.
FAQ
Answers to common queries are below. Not finding what you need? Please contact Program Manager Gwen Franz: gfranz@centrum.org, (360) 385-3102 x109 or Program Assistant Matt Jones: jazz@centrum.org, (360) 385-3102 x106
What is Choro music?
Pronounced sho-ro (with a slightly rolled r), Brazilian choro originated in Rio de Janeiro from a combination of Afro-Brazilian and Portuguese late-Baroque influences. Evolving from the late 19th century for decades, choro reached a height of popularity by the mid-20th century. Composer/performers such as Ernesto Nazareth, Jacob do Bandolim, and Pixinguinha were prominent influencers in its development and growth as a unique popular music of Brazil. The word choro in Portuguese means “cry” or “lament,” which seems contrary to the mood of so many of the playful, fast-paced choros.  In the slow tempo choros however, one hears the element of saudade, or nostalgic longing. Â
What does Choro sound like?
Here are some YouTube links featuring our faculty playing typical Choro tunes:
Meals
- Our new food service provider is locally based Planted. Planted offers nourishing plant-based meals and ingredients that are locally sourced from the Olympic Peninsula. For more info on Planted, visit plantedporttownsend.com.
- The first meal is dinner on April 21; the last meal is breakfast on April 26.
Cancellation/Refund Policy
- $325 deposit is nonrefundable.Â
If you need to withdraw, you must inform us no later than March 3, 2026 to receive a full refund, minus deposit.
Your full payment is due by March 4, 2026.
Newcomers
Newcomers
Classical, jazz and music-reading folk musicians will feel comfortable in this workshop and will enjoy expanding their skills through this genre. You need to be proficient on your instrument, i.e. comfortable with the mechanics of playing. We always have a range of people with different backgrounds and abilities, but we try to balance the ensembles to be supportive of everyone.Â
The standard choro instruments are usually mandolin, clarinet, flute, sax, cavaquinho, guitar, piano, and pandeiro (hand percussion rather than drum set) Other string players such as violinists, cellists and bass players are welcome as well. Some other instruments are also accepted. If you have any questions, please contact Gwen Franz at 306-385-3102 x109 or gfranz@centrum.org Â
You need to be 18 years or older to attend this workshop.Â
Past Artist Faculty
Performances
Admission to all concerts included with registration. Concert details will be posted in March 2027.
