An album recorded in New York, 19 musicians on stage, and Mônica Salmaso’s voice: Teatro Porto hosts a landmark tribute to Gilberto Gil on March 5.
The concert Gaia Wilmer Large Ensemble featuring Mônica Salmaso – Meditations on Gilberto Gil takes place on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 8 PM, at Teatro Porto in São Paulo. The show marks the pre-release of an album recorded in New York City in October 2025, in partnership with American label Sunnyside Records.
A Contemporary Vision of Brazilian Music
The project was born from composer and conductor Gaia Wilmer‘s desire to revisit Gil’s songbook through her own musical language. The pieces chosen by Gaia and Mônica go beyond arrangements — they are recompositions that move across musical styles while preserving the melodic and poetic power of the Bahian composer, opening entirely new listening experiences.
On the Teatro Porto stage, Gaia brings together the São Paulo edition of her Large Ensemble — a 19-piece formation — alongside Mônica Salmaso. The concert weaves memory, invention, and collective listening around the work of one of Brazil’s most essential artists.
“I always thought it would be special to do this with Gil’s work, because of the power and the explosion this formation can generate — and that his music deserves. In 2025, I decided not to let this encounter pass. To top it all off, I had the audacity to invite my greatest reference, Mônica Salmaso, who shares this same love for Gil. And, to my joy, here we are.” — Gaia Wilmer
Mônica Salmaso Inside Gaia’s World
For Mônica Salmaso, one of the most celebrated voices in Brazilian music, the partnership is both a celebration and a creative immersion. “It is important to celebrate Gilberto Gil. It’s a pleasure to sing these songs and be inside Gaia’s creative universe. She has her own personality, a beautiful freedom, and the arrangements are rich in language and in liberty,” says the singer.
The project is sponsored by Porto and produced by Jazzmin Produções. Recording the album in New York extends the international reach of a work with deeply Brazilian roots.
Credits
Gaia Wilmer (Compositions, arrangements, and conducting), Mônica Salmaso (Voice), Maiara Moraes (Flutes), Marina Bastos (Flutes), Josué dos Santos (Alto and soprano sax, flute), Dô de Carvalho (Alto sax and flute), Oran Etkin (Tenor sax and clarinet), Joana Queiroz (Tenor sax and clarinet), Zafe Costa (Baritone sax and bass clarinet), Raphael Sampaio (Trumpet), Diego Garbin (Trumpet), Daniel D’Alcantara (Trumpet), Estefane Santos (Trumpet), Feldeman Oliveira (Trombone), Fabio Oliva (Trombone), Yohanna Tamarozzi (Trombone), Jaziel Gomes (Trombone and bass), Fabio Leal (Guitar), Tiago Costa (Piano), Sidiel Vieira (Double bass), Pedro Ito (Drums). Production: Mari Chiarella.
Event Info
GAIA WILMER LARGE ENSEMBLE FEATURING MÔNICA SALMASO – MEDITATIONS ON GILBERTO GIL
March 5, 2026, Thursday, at 8 PM.
Running time: 90 minutes. Rating: General admission (all ages).
Tickets: Orchestra R$ 180 | Balcony and Boxes R$ 150.
Porto Bank Card clients and one companion: 50% off. Porto clients and one companion: 30% off.
Tickets: www.sympla.com.br/teatroporto
Teatro Porto — Al. Barão de Piracicaba, 740 – Campos Elíseos – São Paulo. Phone: (11) 3366.8700.
Box office opens on show days only, two hours before the performance.
Capacity: 484 seats. Payment: credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Elo, and Diners).
Accessibility: 10 wheelchair spaces and 5 bariatric chairs.
Free parking for Teatro Porto patrons. Free shuttle from Estação da Luz (exit at Rua José Paulino/Praça da Luz); return service available up to 30 minutes after the show ends.
Social media: facebook.com/teatroporto | @teatroporto
Photo: Press Release
