The University Philharmonia, a premier ensemble within the Florida State University College of Music, will perform the U.S. premiere of Arthur Barbosa's "Variations in Search of a Theme by Matos Rodríguez."
The concert is free and open to the public and will take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, in Opperman Music Hall.
The concert marks the beginning of guest composer Barbosa's residency, a project initiated by Guilherme Leal Rodrigues, a doctoral candidate and graduate associate conductor of the University Philharmonia. Rodrigues also serves as the music director of the Tallahassee Youth Orchestras.
"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," said Alexander Jiménez, professor of conducting and director of orchestras. "It is also tremendous to work at an institution like the College of Music that offers students a wide range of opportunities to refine and expand their craft in creative ways."
The performance serves as the culmination of Rodrigues' doctoral thesis - the first in-depth research and performance analysis of the iconic tango "La Cumparsita" conducted in the United States.
"Bringing 'La Cumparsita' to life in the United States is both an academic and personal milestone for me," Rodrigues said. "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."
Joining the Philharmonia is Molly Reid, a doctoral candidate and winner of the 2025 FSU College of Music Doctoral Concerto Competition. Reid is also a recipient of the P.E.O. Scholar Award and an experienced international performer.
The repertoire bridges classical tradition with contemporary innovation, featuring:
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Overture to "Idomeneo" - A dramatic, sonata-form opening capturing the turmoil of the King of Crete.
- Arthur Barbosa: "Variations in Search of a Theme by Matos Rodríguez" (U.S. Premiere) - Featuring pianist Molly Reid. This "musical archaeology" flips the traditional variation structure; rather than moving away from a theme, the music gradually uncovers the recognizable fragments of "La Cumparsita."
- Howard Hanson: Symphony No. 2, Op. 30 "Romantic" - A lush work that influenced Hollywood scores, including the film "Alien" and the works of John Williams.
The celebration of Brazilian music continues at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall. The Tallahassee Youth Orchestra will present "Brazil in Sound: Tropical Imaginations," featuring three world premieres by living Brazilian composers Bianca Do Prado, Paloma Pitaya and Arthur Barbosa. This is a ticketed event.
