In June 2005, the Ramacrisna Institute created the Youth Orchestra with the objective of bringing the classical music beauty to the reality of children and young people at personal and social risk, living in the community of Vianopolis, in Betim, aged between 12 and 24.
The project includes classes to 40 musicians about music theory and practice, which include string, wind and percussion instruments. Renowned teachers from the Barros family – Alexandre (wind), Elias (violin) and Wiliam (music theory, bass, cello) – are the ones who, along with the Maestro Eliseu, promote the musical development of talented musicians.
We have created the Spring Music Festival, which is held annually since 2013. During the event, the Institute also offers classes on music theory and practice on various orchestra’s instruments, as well as presentations by students, groups and guest orchestras.
The festival is an opportunity to offer classical and popular music access to the communities located on the outskirts of Betim and mobilize everybody: students, employees, musicians’ families and guests, among others.
Conductor: maestro Eliseu Martins de Barros
Barros, who has a bachelor’s degree in violin from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a graduation degree in Neuroscience and Psychoanalysis Applied to Education from São Camilo College, has played with the Youth Orchestras of Mercosul and the World Orchestra of Japan, at the Pacific Music Festival, in 2000.
The conductor has soloed and conducted concerts with the Sesiminas-Musicoop, UFMG Symphony and Cuiabá Symphony Orchestra.
He has worked with popular music and as an arranger, has played with great artists from Minas Gerais and other States, and has recorded with the Skank band, Lô Borges and Paula Fernandes.
Barros is currently a guest violinist n the UFMG Symphonic and Minas Gerais Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as the conductor and coordinator of the Sesc-MG Youth Orchestra.
May 31/2020 – O Tempo Online newspaper – Pandemic: Young people from rural Betim continue their music studies virtually
June 19/2020 – Super Radio (Patrulha da Cidade Program) – Interview Maestro Eliseu Barros (starts at 1:05 p.m.)
June 20/2020 – Globo TV “MG1” – Betim Orchestra rehearses and maintains members with video and virtual classes
July 11/2020 – Globo TV “É de Casa” – Orchestra performs in community
The Cultural Center has a built-up area of 750 m², which comprises an auditorium with 200 seats, two dressing rooms with toilets, a projection room, rehearsal room, instrument storage room, administration room, gardens and a hall.
In 2013, through a State Culture Fund project developed in partnership with the State Department of Culture, it became a sustainable building, with a mineral material ceiling, LED lighting, and walls made of reused material that contribute for its good acoustic. The Cultural Center, which benefits the entire community, is used for concerts, lectures, graduations, movie exhibitions and work meetings.
In 2019, with resources from the State Culture Fund, we were able to restructure the space, acclimatize it and change its 200 chairs, providing greater comfort for everybody.
