Miguel Kertsman founded his ensemble, Amazonica Universal Orchestra, now Grupo Amazonica, in New York in 1989, following “persistent advice” from his old friend, Brazilian Jazz luminary Hermeto Pascoal.

The band played sold out shows at venues such as the Knitting Factory, NYC, Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall, NY clubs such as The 55 Bar, Manila, etc. as well as shows in Brazil, and Austria. Miguel Kertsman has composed an extensive repertoire for the band.