FSU Philharmonia to Debut Brazilian Composer's New Work

The concert marks the beginning of guest composer Arthur Barbosa's residency, a project initiated by Guilherme Leal Rodrigues, a doctoral candidate.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The University Philharmonia at Florida State University will perform the U.S. premiere of Arthur Barbosa's "Variations in Search of a Theme by Matos Rodríguez" as part of a concert featuring works by Mozart, Hanson, and Barbosa. The concert marks the start of Barbosa's residency, which was initiated by Guilherme Leal Rodrigues, a doctoral candidate and graduate associate conductor of the University Philharmonia.

Why it matters

The concert highlights the rich cultural exchange between Brazil and the United States, with the premiere of Barbosa's work and the inclusion of the iconic tango "La Cumparsita" in Rodrigues' doctoral thesis research. It also showcases the talent and creativity of the FSU College of Music students and faculty.

The details

The concert program includes Mozart's Overture to "Idomeneo", Barbosa's "Variations in Search of a Theme by Matos Rodríguez" featuring pianist Molly Reid, and Hanson's Symphony No. 2 "Romantic". Rodrigues' doctoral thesis research on "La Cumparsita" will be featured in the Barbosa premiere. The celebration of Brazilian music continues on February 22nd with a concert by the Tallahassee Youth Orchestra featuring world premieres by Brazilian composers.

  • The concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
  • The Tallahassee Youth Orchestra concert "Brazil in Sound: Tropical Imaginations" will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

The players

Arthur Barbosa

A Brazilian composer whose work "Variations in Search of a Theme by Matos Rodríguez" will receive its U.S. premiere at the concert.

Guilherme Leal Rodrigues

A doctoral candidate and graduate associate conductor of the University Philharmonia who initiated Barbosa's residency. Rodrigues also serves as the music director of the Tallahassee Youth Orchestras.

Molly Reid

A doctoral candidate and winner of the 2025 FSU College of Music Doctoral Concerto Competition, who will perform as a pianist in the concert.

Alexander Jiménez

A professor of conducting and director of orchestras at the FSU College of Music.

Tallahassee Youth Orchestra

An orchestra that will present a concert featuring world premieres by living Brazilian composers on February 22, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“It is such a pleasure to welcome advanced graduate students like Guilherme who can contribute to the rich cultural life of our campus and community.”

— Alexander Jiménez, Professor of Conducting and Director of Orchestras (College of Music)

“Bringing 'La Cumparsita' to life in the United States is both an academic and personal milestone for me. This tango carries the musical soul of my home region, and having the opportunity to premiere it here allows me to share a piece of that heritage with a new audience.”

— Guilherme Leal Rodrigues, Doctoral Candidate and Graduate Associate Conductor (College of Music)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This concert showcases the rich cultural exchange between Brazil and the United States, highlighting the talent and creativity of the FSU College of Music students and faculty, and providing a platform for the premiere of a new work by Brazilian composer Arthur Barbosa.