Maestro João Carlos Martins inaugurated the Virada Cultural 2026 at Palco Anhangabaú in São Paulo with a performance that blended classical music and samba.
The performance took place on Saturday afternoon (23/5), starting 20 minutes late due to cold and rain. Martins led the Bachiana Filarmônica Sesi-SP and the Mocidade Alegre drumline, conducted by Marcos Rezende, known as Mestre Sombra.
The concert featured Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, Libertango on piano, and the samba-enredo A música venceu from the Vai-Vai school. It closed with the classic Trem das Onze by Adoniram Barbosa.
Mayor Ricardo Nunes attended and highlighted security investments for the event. In parallel, rapper Rappin’ Hood's show was canceled for health reasons.
The Virada Cultural 2026 carries the theme O festival dos festivais and continues with a 24-hour program across multiple stages in the capital.
