Conjunto Farroupilha

The Conjunto Farroupilha, also known as Os Farroupilhas (in Russian "Фарроупилья"), was a vocal ensemble from Porto Alegre, Brazil, active from 1948 to 1993. The group started as Conjunto Vocal Farroupilha from an initiative of Inah Bangel (née Inah Vital, aka Iná Bangel, 1933-1990), then soloist of the Radio Farroupilha's orchestra. Along with Inah, the group also included Tasso José Bangel (aka Tasso Bangel, Taquara, RS, 1931), Danilo Vidal de Castro (Porto Alegre, RS, 1927-2018), Estrela d'Alva Lopes de Castro (Livramento, RS, 1934-2015), and Alfeu de Azevedo – later replaced by Sidney Morais (aka Sidney do Espírito Santo, Sorocaba, SP, 1925). They formed what would be the first Brazilian vocal ensemble to mix male and female voices. Initially influenced by North American jazz big bands, the group later adopted the regionalist style. They are considered the first group to take the music of Rio Grande do Sul outside the country, often performing in traditional costumes. Over time, the group expanded their repertoire through styles such as bossa nova, samba, and international music. They made significant international success in the late 1950s and early 1960s and produced concerts in several countries, including Latin America, the United States, Europe, China and the Soviet Union (where they were known as "Фарроупилья").