Maestro Roberto Tibiriçá, considered a prominent figure in Brazilian concert music, passed away early Saturday morning (3rd) at the age of 72 in the city of São Paulo. The confirmation of his death was issued by the São Paulo Municipal Theater and the Guaíra Theater Cultural Center, located in Paraná. The exact cause of death was not disclosed.
A native of São Paulo, Tibiriçá developed a career spanning over four decades, leading some of the country's most important orchestras. He established himself as a reference both in conducting and in training new musical talents. Since 2022, he held the position of principal conductor and musical director of the Paraná Symphony Orchestra (OSP).
The São Paulo Municipal Theater published a note mourning the loss of the maestro and emphasizing his relevance to national music. The institution stated that he is 'one of the fundamental names in Brazilian concert music,' mentioning that Tibiriçá conducted the Municipal Symphony Orchestra on several occasions, leaving a legacy characterized by artistic excellence, dedication to musical education, and participation in the country's main orchestras.
The maestro's professional journey began early; he developed an interest in music at the age of eight through the piano and received instruction from teachers such as Dinorah de Carvalho, Antonio Bezzan, and Gilberto Tinetti. Throughout his career, he collaborated with notable institutions such as the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra, Petrobras Sinfônica, Minas Gerais Symphony Orchestra, Osesp, and the Paraná Symphony Orchestra.
Another significant milestone in his career occurred at the Baccarelli Institute. In 2005, he assumed the artistic direction of the entity, leading a period of strengthening and consolidation of the Heliópolis musical project. At the helm of the Heliópolis Symphony Orchestra, he performed memorable concerts and helped train hundreds of young musicians.
Tributes
Cleverson Cavalheiro, president-director of the Guaíra Theater Cultural Center, expressed on his social media that 'Brazilian music is in mourning,' celebrating Tibiriçá's contribution to the artistic advancement of the Paraná Symphony Orchestra. He wrote that 'we have lost a great maestro, but his legacy will remain alive in every musician, in every concert, and in every person touched by his music.'
According to the Guaíra Theater, the maestro maintained his engagement with art in his final months despite facing a debilitating health condition. His last performance took place on July 16th in Londrina, conducting the OSP as part of the Guaíra for All project. Among the most recent notable events in his tenure with the Paranaense orchestra was conducting Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 2, titled 'Resurrection,' during the celebrations of the OSP's 40th anniversary in 2025. This concert featured the participation of over 200 musicians and choristers on the Guairão stage.
Public Viewing
Roberto Tibiriçá's wake will be held at the São Paulo Municipal Theater and will be accessible to the public. On today, Saturday (3rd), the ceremony will take place in the theater's Noble Hall from 6 PM to 10 PM. On Sunday (4th), the farewell will continue on the Performance Hall stage from 8 AM to 12 PM. The burial is scheduled for 1 PM on Sunday, at the São Paulo Cemetery.
In a statement, the Municipal Theater expressed its solidarity to family, friends, musicians, students, and everyone who was part of the maestro's journey. The institution emphasized that 'his legacy remains in Brazilian music, in the orchestras he conducted, and above all, in the generations of musicians whose paths were marked by his work and dedication to musical education.'
