25 young musicians from Rio’s outskirts bring Brazilian music to China from April 11–21, opening with a flashmob at the Great Wall.
The Orquestra Forte de Copacabana is heading to China for the second time. From April 11 to 21, 2026, 25 young musicians aged 18 to 21 — most from peripheral communities in Rio de Janeiro — will perform at festivals, universities, and historic landmarks across China. The tour celebrates the Brazil-China Cultural Year 2026.
The opening moment is extraordinary: a flashmob at the Great Wall of China on April 11, bringing the sounds of Brazil to one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. It’s a powerful symbol of cultural exchange between two of the world’s most vibrant nations.
Tour schedule
Following the Great Wall, the orchestra performs at key cultural and academic venues:
- April 12 — Concert in Tianjin
- April 13 — China University of Petroleum, Beijing
- April 14 — Renmin University, Beijing, during the China-Brazil Youth Grand Meeting
- April 17 — Opening of the Guangxi Folk Song Festival – Emperor’s Jasmine
- April 19 — Guilin
- April 21 — Guangzhou
Brazilian classics meet Chinese melodies
The repertoire features iconic Brazilian Popular Music (MPB) classics such as “Garota de Ipanema,” “Flor de Lis,” and “Canto de Xangô,” alongside Chinese songs — reinforcing the spirit of cultural exchange. The orchestra is conducted by Luiz Potter. Students also receive Mandarin lessons as part of their training, and the group’s vocalists perform a wide repertoire in the language.
“The cultural exchange provided to our musicians is extremely meaningful — not only for the lived experience, but especially for the opportunity to discover new traditions through music. It is an honor and a great joy to live this experience for the second time.” — Márcia Melchior, president of RioMont and orchestra director
Music as a path out of inequality
Recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of the State of Rio de Janeiro since 2024, the Orquestra Forte de Copacabana brings together students aged 13 to 21 from public schools. The project is led by Instituto Rudá, with cultural support from Associação de Arte e Cultura RioMont and sponsorship from CNOOC Petroleum Brasil Ltda. through Brazil’s Rouanet cultural incentive law. Grupo Shalom, Vale, and Tijoá Energia also support the initiative.
In 2025, the project expanded significantly with the creation of the Camerata Forte de Copacabana — an all-female string ensemble — and the Orquestra de Câmara Forte de Copacabana. Since 2022, the project has hosted three editions of the Spring Festival, including performances at the iconic Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro.
“Our goal is to prepare young people to join professional orchestras, military orchestras, and to build a career through music.” — Márcia Melchior
The orchestra’s first China tour took place in 2024, marking 50 years of diplomatic relations between Brazil and China. This second visit cements the Orquestra Forte de Copacabana’s role as a true cultural ambassador for Brazil on the world stage.
https://vimeo.com/1176643576/a537cb7b03
Event Info
- Event: Orquestra Forte de Copacabana China Tour
- Dates: April 11–21, 2026
- Cities: Great Wall of China, Tianjin, Beijing, Guangxi, Guilin, and Guangzhou
- Official website: www.orquestrafortedecopacabana.com.br
- Instagram: @orquestrafortedecopacabana
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@orquestrafortedecopacabana
- Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/OrquestraFortedeCopacabana
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