Maestro Roberto Tibiriçá, a prominent figure in classical sounds, passed away last Saturday, November 3rd, at the age of 72. The artist, born in 1954, had his death registered in São Paulo (SP), his hometown, after being diagnosed with cancer.
Tibiriçá's passing is felt throughout the universe of Brazilian classical music, as he was a reference in the genre. His professional trajectory spanned over five decades, beginning as a pianist.
Throughout his career, Tibiriçá directed several important orchestras, including the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra (OSB), the Petrobras Symphony Orchestra, Sinfônica Heliópolis, the Minas Gerais Symphony Orchestra, and the Paraná Symphony Orchestra.
In addition to his work as a conductor and principal conductor, Tibiriçá always sought to integrate classical music with Brazilian popular music. He occasionally collaborated with major figures of MPB in performances aimed at a wider audience.
As a conductor in concerts for the Aquarius project, for example, the maestro established connections with singers such as Lenine, Adriana Calcanhotto, and Luedji Luna, demonstrating an appreciation for the fusion of musical styles.
His phonographic contribution was also significant. Tibiriçá served as artistic director for Brazilian record labels, such as RGE / Fermata and Copacabana, promoting and financing classical music releases in these companies.
A notable example is the only album recorded in Brazil by the pianist Guiomar Novaes (1895 – 1979), which was released in 1974 by RGE and featured works by Brazilian composers such as Camargo Guarnieri (1907 – 1993) and Heitor Villa-Lobos (1887 – 1959).
Additionally, while as director of the Copacabana label, Tibiriçá evaluated one of the last works of the Fluminense pianist Magda Tagliaferro (1893 – 1986), titled 'Recorded in Recital'. This album was released in 1979 and recorded a live performance at the Museum of Art of São Paulo (Masp), located in the city of São Paulo (SP).
Roberto Tibiriçá leaves an invaluable legacy upon ending his life at 72, while still in his prime period of professional activity.