Hamilton de Holanda

Hamilton de Holanda is one of Brazil’s most celebrated musicians, a global ambassador for Brazilian music and a master of improvisation. Picking up the mandolin at the age of five, he revolutionized the 10-string version of the instrument, blending Brazilian traditions like choro with jazz and other global influences. A 4x Latin Grammy winner with 17 nominations, Hamilton has earned international recognition and amassed over 14 million streams across 180 countries, with 800,000 monthly listeners on Spotify in 2024. His music is rooted in family encouragement, a university degree in composition and the vibrant choro street jams of Brasília. As an educator and cultural advocate, he co-founded the world’s first Choro School in Brasília and led the movement to establish a National Day of Choro in Brazil. His collaborations include legends like Wynton Marsalis, Chick Corea and Milton Nascimento, and he has graced stages at iconic venues and festivals such as Rock in Rio, Montreux and Newport Jazz. Hamilton’s performances have defined historic moments, including the Rio 2016 Summer Games and a private concert for world leaders at the G20 Summit. With over 40 albums to his name—including collaborations with ECM, Universal and Sony Brazil—his latest live album, featuring Chris Potter, highlighting his unparalleled artistry. Hamilton’s work connects cultures, celebrates diversity and expands the boundaries of music, solidifying his place as an innovator and educator in the global music landscape.