Ian Coury and Estefanía Núñez Villamandos unite their exceptional talents in a musical collaboration that bridges the traditions of Brazilian choro, MPB (música popular Brasileira), Cuban jazz, and contemporary global sounds.

Coury, a virtuoso of the 10-string mandolin from Brasília, Brazil, has captivated audiences worldwide with his technical mastery and fresh approach to Brazilian music. Núñez Villamandos, a gifted pianist, composer, and arranger from Havana, Cuba, blends her deep roots in Cuban music with jazz, flamenco, and Latin American folklore. Together, they create a dynamic and innovative musical dialogue, fusing rhythm, harmony, and improvisation with remarkable creativity.

Both artists share a strong foundation in formal music education, having honed their craft at Berklee College of Music. Coury, a Berklee graduate, has performed with legends such as Paquito D’Rivera and Hamilton de Holanda, while also pioneering choro education in the US. Núñez Villamandos, also a Berklee graduate, has collaborated with acclaimed musicians including Aldo López Gavilán and Aida Cuevas. Her versatile artistry spans genres, from Cuban timba to jazz-infused flamenco, enriching their collaboration with a vibrant rhythmic and harmonic palette.

Together, Coury and Núñez Villamandos offer a fresh, electrifying perspective on Latin American music. Their interplay of mandolin and piano invites listeners into a world where Brazilian and Cuban traditions merge seamlessly with jazz-inspired improvisation. Whether on stage or in the studio, they craft intricate, soulful performances that honor their roots while pushing the boundaries of contemporary Latin music.

Ian Coury and Estefanía Núñez Villamandos will be performing as part of Berklee’s Summer in the City 2025 concert series.