The Jangada Ensemble
Jangada Ensemble is the newest sound in the DMV’s music scene—a dynamic group formed by world-class musicians with a deep passion for bossa-nova, choro, and Brazilian jazz.
Jangada offers flexible formats to suit a variety of settings—from the full trio to duos (guitar and flute or guitar and percussion), or solo guitar performances. Each format is thoughtfully curated to complement the energy and atmosphere that takes audience members on a musical journey to Brazil.
As the only ensemble of its kind in the region, Jangada invites listeners on a rare and vibrant musical experience that is fresh, elegant, and unforgettable.
Felipe Garibaldi, guitar
Felipe Garibaldi, guitar
Felipe Garibaldi, guitar
Brazilian guitarist and academic Dr. Felipe Garibaldi is an accomplished performer and educator. His musical innovations span premiere performances, recordings, scholarly work, original compositions, and unique collaborations. Recent projects include the world premiere and U.S. debut of Claudio Santoro’s works for guitar, a feature in Soundboard Magazine, a lecture at the Guitar Foundation of America convention, and broadcast premieres of Brazilian guitar music on São Paulo’s Cultura FM.
Garibaldi’s career bridges concert performance, studio work, and music pedagogy. He received the Prêmio Nascente from the University of São Paulo for his performances of J.S. Bach and has worked as a session musician and arranger on Sony Music projects. He has taught guitar for over twenty years, mentoring students into leading music programs and artistic careers.
Having studied with renowned guitarists such as Leo Brouwer, Sérgio Assad, David Russell, Eliot Fisk, and Manuel Barrueco, he earned his doctorate at the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University under Julian Gray, following his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of São Paulo, under Edelton Gloeden.
He currently teaches at UMBC, where he directs the Guitar Collective, and at Frostburg State University.
Juan Megna, percussion
Felipe Garibaldi, guitar
Felipe Garibaldi, guitar
Dr. Juan Megna is an accomplished Argentinian percussionist, drummer, and bandleader known for his vibrant performances and deep-rooted passion for music. He began his career in São Paulo, Brazil, where he spent 12 years immersed in the local music scene, collaborating with artists like Rubinho Antunes, Vinicius Dorin, Jarbas Barbosa, and Bruno Mangueira.
Since relocating to the Washington, D.C. area in 2017, Juan has performed with celebrated jazz musicians including Wade Beach, Shawn Purcell, and Tedd Baker, earning recognition for his dynamic style and innovative compositions. He leads The Juan Megna Group, blending jazz, Argentinian, and Afro-Brazilian rhythms. His debut album Mariwô received acclaim from both press and peers.
As an educator, Juan teaches at Catholic University’s Rome School of Music, Drama, and Art, and directs the Latin-American Ensemble at George Mason University. He also presents clinics, including his talk on Brazilian 16th-note phrasing at the Jazz Education Network conference. Juan continues to shape the musical landscape through performance, education, and cultural exchange.
Madeleine Strong, flute
Felipe Garibaldi, guitar
Madeleine Strong, flute
Coming soon...