Contemporary choro instrumental group formed by musicians of the State University of Rio de Janeiro (Uni-Rio) in 1989, the Água de Moringa was quickly recognized as a creative and solidly prepared choro group occupying a definite position in the modernization of the idiom. Experienced accompanists of rootsy sambistas, each member of the group conjugates mastery over the popular elements and classical information, coining a style that helps renovate the choro in a Brazilian way, via the infusing of the spirit of Brazilian composers and arrangers such as Radamés Gnattali and Guerra Peixe into classical samba and choro compositions (by the likes of Pixinguinha) and the contemporary production of Caetano Veloso, Guinga, and Hermeto Pascoal, among others. Having released in Europe, Asia, and North America the first CD in 1994 (Água de Moringa), the group was nominated for the Sharp prize as Best Instrumental Group. In 1996, they performed in Paris, France, and in the next year, Lisbon, Portugal. The second CD came in 1998, winning two Sharp prizes for Best Instrumental Group and Best Arranger (Josimar Carneiro). The Saracoteando show at Cecília Meirelles Hall (Rio de Janeiro) had as guest musicians Cristovão Bastos and Carlos Malta. In São Paulo, the Água de Moringa performed with Laércio de Freitas, Quinteto Villa-Lobos, and Cristovão Bastos. Throughout their career, the group has been conjugating solo work with performances with artists like Délcio Carvalho, Walter Alfaiate, Wilson Moreira, Beth Carvalho, Ivone Lara, Paulo Moura, Joel Nascimento, Altamiro Carrilho, and others. ~ Alvaro Neder, All Music Guide