Hamilton de Holanda is one of Brazil’s most celebrated musicians—a global ambassador, virtuoso performer, and groundbreaking improviser. Picking up the mandolin at the age of five, he redefined the 10-string version of the instrument, transforming it into a versatile voice that bridges the worlds of jazz, choro, and beyond.
The foundation of his music comes from a combination of family encouragement, formal training with a university degree in composition, and the freedom of Brasília’s choro street jams, where he grew up.
A four-time Latin Grammy winner with 17 nominations—including a Grammy nod for Best Latin Jazz Album—Hamilton is a multi-award-winning musician. In Brazil, he has achieved star status, earning widespread acclaim from critics, peers, and audiences alike.
Recognized for his unique approach to improvisation and electrifying stage presence, Hamilton’s influence continues to grow. In 2024 alone, he achieved 14 million streams across 180 countries and reached over 800,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.
In addition to his career as a performer, Hamilton was one of the founders of the world’s first Choro School, established in Brasília in 1997. He also spearheaded a petition to Brazil’s National Congress to establish a National Day of Choro, helping to secure the genre’s cultural legacy.
Hamilton’s career is defined by his ability to blend Brazilian traditions with global sounds. His collaborations include music legends such as Wynton Marsalis, Chick Corea, Milton Nascimento, Djavan, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Dave Matthews, John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin),, and Hermeto Pascoal.
He has performed on some of the world’s most iconic stages, including the Grand Palais in Paris, the Smithsonian in Washington, and the Jean Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles, as well as at renowned music festivals such as Montreux Jazz, Newport Jazz, Montreal, Umbria Jazz, Marciac, and North Sea Jazz, among others. His performances have also marked historic moments, including the opening ceremony of the Rio 2016 Summer Games and a private concert for world leaders at the G20 Summit, where he captivated kings, presidents, and prime ministers from countries such as the USA, France, Germany, Canada, India, Brazil, and many others.
His upcoming live album, recorded in the U.S. with the Hamilton de Holanda Trio, is set to be released in late March 2025. This new work adds to his extensive discography of over 40 albums, most of which were released independently. Over the years, he has also partnered with prestigious labels such as ECM and Universal, and he is currently signed to Sony Brasil. The album will feature his signature fusion of Brazilian roots and jazz improvisation, with special guest Chris Potter adding a unique dimension to the project.
Hamilton’s music connects cultures, celebrates diversity, and pushes the boundaries of sound, solidifying his place as a true innovator and cultural ambassador.