Orquestra Sinfônica da Bahia

Origin

Salvador, BA

Also known as

OSBA

Years active

1944–presente

Genres

classical music, brazilian popular music, erudite

Instruments

strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion

Biography

The Bahia Symphony Orchestra (OSBA) is one of the most important orchestral formations in Brazil, with a history that began in 1944 at the Antônio Vieira College in Salvador, under the initiative of Father Luiz Gonzaga de Mariz. Although it went through a period of disbandment, OSBA was refounded on September 30, 1982, becoming one of the artistic bodies of the Castro Alves Theater. The orchestra is maintained by the State Government of Bahia, through the Cultural Foundation of the State of Bahia (Funceb) and the Secretariat of Culture (Secult-BA).

Throughout its history, OSBA has stood out for its versatility and ability to dialogue with different audiences and artistic expressions. Under the baton of renowned conductors such as Isaac Karabtchevsky, Jaques Morelenbaum, Osvaldo Colarusso, Alex Klein, Olivier Cuendet, and currently Carlos Prazeres, the orchestra has performed alongside great names in classical music, such as Luciano Pavarotti and Montserrat Caballé, and icons of Brazilian popular music, such as Gal Costa, Gilberto Gil, João Gilberto, and Maria Bethânia.

OSBA plays a fundamental role in the dissemination of classical music and audience development, especially in Bahia. With innovative projects such as CineConcerto, Futurível, BaileConcerto, and Sarau OSBA no MAM, the orchestra has sought to bring symphonic music closer to people's daily lives, promoting a dynamic and accessible cultural experience. This initiative has resulted in a significant increase in audience, consolidating OSBA as a Bahian cultural heritage.