Maestro Roberto Tibiriçá, a Benchmark in Brazilian Classical Music, Passes Away

Roberto Tibiriçá passed away this Friday (2) at 72 years old, after a two-year battle with cancer. The news was released by the Theatro Municipal de São Paulo, which opened the wake to the public and caused great commotion in the musical community.

Career and Main Engagements

With over 40 years of activity, Tibiriçá conducted orchestras such as the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra, the São Paulo State Symphony Orchestra (Osesp), the Minas Gerais Symphony Orchestra, the Paraná Symphony Orchestra, and abroad, the Lisbon Metropolitan Orchestra.

Direction of the Paraná Symphony Orchestra

Since 2022, he had been the principal conductor and musical director of the Paraná Symphony Orchestra (OSP). Under his baton, the OSP raised its artistic level, participated in festivals such as the Campos do Jordão Winter Festival, and performed the historic presentation of Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection,” in May 2025.

Music Democratization Projects

The maestro developed initiatives such as the “Mostly Mozart” project, which offers free open-air concerts at the Oscar Niemeyer Museum, and took the orchestra to perform in municipalities in the interior of Paraná, expanding access to classical concerts.

Recognition and Tributes

Among the awards received are the Estácio de Sá Award (1995), the Carlos Gomes Awards for Best Conductor (2010 and 2011), the Order of Ipiranga (2011), and the title of Notório Saber from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (2024). He was a member of the Brazilian Academy of Music and the National Academy of Music.

Final Moments and Legacy

Even weakened, Tibiriçá gave his last public performance in July, at the 46th Londrina International Music Festival, and also conducted a concert in honor of pianist Analaura de Souza Pinto. His passing leaves a void, but his work and influence remain alive in the musicians, institutions, and audience who heard him.

With information from Folha de S.Paulo, Bem Paraná.