Formed in 2001, The Los Angeles Choro Ensemble has performed at a variety of events in Southern California. From UCLA's Royce Hall to the Skirball Center, they have brought the upbeat and melodic sounds of Brazilian Choro music to Los Angeles audiences. Choro music evolved in Brazil in the 1920's as a style of instrumental music combining the improvisatory spirit and energy of early jazz with the melodic sophistication of classical chamber music. Underlying and uniting these elements is a pulse and rhythm of the Samba. It has inspired generations of Brazilian musicians from Villa-Lobos to Jobim. The Los Angeles Choro Ensemble features authentic Brazilian acoustic instruments such as the Pandeiro (tambourine), Cavaquinho ( 4 string guitar similar to the Ukulele), Violão Sete Cordas (7 stringed guitar) and Bandolim (mandolin).