Sold-out night: OFM opens 2026 at Rio’s Municipal

With the Theatro Municipal packed, the Orquestra Filarmônica Metropolitana opened its 2026 season and announced Vale support via Brazil’s Rouanet Law for “Sons Pelas Mulheres”.

The season opener, titled Novos Horizontes, took place on Feb. 10 and drew an emotional response from the audience at the Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro.

Orquestra Filarmônica Metropolitana signals a new chapter

Across the program, Orquestra Filarmônica Metropolitana (OFM) framed 2026 as a fresh artistic cycle, while keeping its focus on top-tier performance and social impact.

During the concert, Rafael Vieira, founder of Instituto dos Sonhos, announced Vale S.A.’s sponsorship, secured through the Rouanet Law, for a series of performances under the “Sons Pelas Mulheres” project.

“Sons Pelas Mulheres” and women’s leadership onstage

“Sons Pelas Mulheres”, OFM’s women-led core, aims to spotlight women performers and composers within Brazil’s concert-music scene.

Led by conductor Waleska Araújo, the ensemble emphasizes female leadership in classical music and expands cultural access through training initiatives and high-level concerts.

Instituto dos Sonhos strengthens its cultural footprint

Following the strong opening night and the newly announced partnership, Instituto dos Sonhos reinforces its role as a major cultural force in Rio de Janeiro state, linking creative economy momentum with social transformation.

Founded by Rafael Vieira and active for more than 20 years, Instituto dos Sonhos is a civil society organization focused on social solutions in culture, education, sports, and sustainability.

Orquestra Filarmônica Metropolitana, one of its flagship cultural projects, combines artistic excellence with broader access to concert music, prioritizing Brazilian repertoire and the development of new audiences.

Photo: Luis Alvarenga