São Paulo: Fresh Faced São Paulo

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Culture

The Ibirapuera Park is an oasis of lush greenery in the middle of São Paulo, a refuge for anyone looking to play sport, relax or check out the latest exhibitions and shows. After land was set aside in 1951, the park’s design was left in the capable hands of Oscar Niemeyer, the greatest Brasilian architect of all times and one of the most influential designers in the world (who, by the way, celebrated his 100th birthday last month). He created the cultural centres Pavilhão da Bienal, Museu de Arte Moderna and Oca. The original plans also included a concert hall, but it wasn’t until 2005 that Niemeyer, by then 98, was able to witness the opening of the Auditório Ibirapuera. The building’s originality lies in the flexibility of its stage, which can be used for both indoor and outdoor performances. Inside, the maximum capacity is 800 people, but backstage there’s a 20m wide door that, when opened, enables performances to be watched by up to 15 thousand people at a time. As well as classical music concerts, the space also offers music lessons, shows and theatrical performances.

The amphitheatre, which has promoted shows by a variety of different artists (Cibelle, Clube do Balanço and Yamandú Costa have all played there), doesn’t just offer music. The venue also houses
sculptures by Niemeyer, artist Tomie Ohtake and a mural by Luis Antônio Vallandro Keating. So if you get to watch a show there you can also check out all the other works of art on display.

São Paulo: Fresh Faced São Paulo

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