The Donato Project pays tribute to João Donato, a major pianist and composer in Brazilian music. At the crossroads of jazz and Brazilian rhythms, the project offers a contemporary instrumental reinterpretation of his repertoire, highlighting the improvisation, interaction, and harmonic richness of his compositions. Driven by an open, collective approach, the group develops a musical language where groove, rhythmic subtlety, and freedom of interpretation come together in an aesthetic that is both refined and vibrant.
Jazz and blues saxophonist and harmonica player
A Brazilian saxophonist and harmonica player based in Quebec, Thiago Ferté has developed a musical world where jazz and blues converge. Holding a Master's degree and a PhD in jazz saxophone from Université Laval, he has performed on numerous international stages, including the Montreal International Jazz Festival and the Savassi Jazz Festival. He teaches at Cégep de Sherbrooke and Bishop's University.
A trombonist active on the Montreal music scene, Laurent Cauchy stands out for his versatility and the depth of his playing. Moving fluidly between jazz and contemporary music, he has developed an approach centered on listening and the precision of collective musical gesture.
A double bassist on the jazz and contemporary music scene, Melissa Doucet has developed a musical approach that is both solid and sensitive, characterized by strong rhythmic stability and attentive listening to the ensemble.
A musical director, pianist, and composer at the crossroads of jazz and classical music, Manoel Vieira stands out for an artistic approach defined by versatility and deep musical sensitivity. Holding a doctorate in jazz piano from Université Laval and a Master's degree in classical piano from the Universidade Federal da Bahia, he has developed a musical language where discipline and freedom coexist. Active on both the Canadian and Brazilian music scenes, he has taken part in numerous festivals, including the Montreal International Jazz Festival. His album Rhizome, nominated at the Latin Grammy Awards, reflects a personal compositional voice rooted in choro and jazz. He is a professor at the Université de Montréal.
A trumpeter, composer, and arranger, João Lenhari pursues an active career between Brazil and Canada. Trained at UNICAMP and the first graduate to earn a doctorate in jazz performance from the Université de Montréal, he has established himself through ambitious writing and a strong musical identity. In Brazil, he has collaborated with numerous ensembles and acclaimed artists, most notably Banda Mantiqueira and singer Roberto Carlos. Since 2023, he has served as musical director of the Université de Montréal Big Band.
Drummer, percussionist, and producer Sacha Daoud has a rich international background. Trained in Montreal and having studied with masters such as Changuito and Robertinho Silva, he has collaborated with numerous artists and ensembles, including Cirque du Soleil and Marianne Trudel. He is also active in music production and teaches at Cégep de Saint-Laurent.
