From the Pantanal to the national classical music scene, the Instituto Moinho Cultural Sul-Americano celebrates another remarkable achievement. Ewerton Guilherme Guimarães, 18, was selected for a long-term artistic residency with the Orquestra Sinfônica Brasileira (Brazilian Symphony Orchestra, OSB), in Rio de Janeiro. He departs on June 23rd for six months of musical immersion alongside major names in concert music.
The opportunity, made possible through the Programa Vale Música (Vale Music Program), is the result of Moinho’s commitment to the artistic and civic development of children and adolescents. The program, run by the Instituto Cultural Vale, has been a bridge between talents from cultural hubs and major Brazilian orchestras, enabling high-level formative experiences.
Ewerton is the third Moinho participant to join a residency program with the OSB — an achievement that reaffirms the strength of the work carried out by the Instituto since 2006, when the first exchanges with renowned orchestras began.
Born in Corumbá under difficult conditions and raised by a welcoming family, Ewerton’s childhood was marked by challenges. His journey at Moinho began at the encouragement of relatives, and since then he has moved through various areas — from dance to music — until finding his place with the clarinet. Inspired by mentors and by the OSB’s visits to Corumbá, he nurtured the dream of becoming an orchestra musician.
“It’s a dream I’m living. The residency is the realization of years of study, dedication and believing that it’s possible. Moinho showed me that I can be someone, that I can conquer the world and chase this dream,” said Ewerton, who gives his last performance in Corumbá before the trip on June 14th, in a special concert at the Casa Portuguesa marking Portugal Day.
With enthusiasm, he adds that his expectations are immense. “I’m eager to learn from incredible musicians of the Orquestra Sinfônica Brasileira, absorb technical and artistic knowledge, and develop as a clarinetist within such a renowned professional environment. This immersion will certainly be a milestone in my journey,” he commented.
Regarding the future, Ewerton dreams big. “I want to join top-level orchestras and contribute to spreading classical music in Brazil. This residency will be a crucial step on that path, as I’ll expand my network of contacts, refine my technique, and gain practical experience in a professional symphonic environment,” he concluded.
A land of opportunities
Since its founding, Moinho Cultural has provided more than 100 artistic exchange experiences. Other young people such as Gabriel Ramos Pereira and Valério Garcia have also followed similar paths, broadening horizons and dreams through music.
Musician Gabriel Ramos was accepted into the OSB Jovem (Youth) and summed up his 2024 in two words: “novelty and opportunity.” “Novelty because I got to experience a path different from what I expected, with music, and through Moinho Cultural and the Orquestra Sinfônica Brasileira, I gained, once again, several opportunities to experience the professional world of music and learn from it. I can say it was a powerful reunion with music,” said Gabriel.
Valério Garcia Navis dos Reis, meanwhile, was selected for the exchange with the OSB in 2024. At the Instituto Moinho Cultural Sul-Americano since age 8, he found his passion for the cello at age 11 and went on to join the Instituto’s orchestra. “Being with the best musicians in Brazil was the realization of a long-held dream. A huge achievement for me as a musician, for the Instituto Moinho Cultural, for having trained me, and also for Corumbá, for having a native of Corumbá who experienced being with the Orquestra Sinfônica Brasileira,” said the cellist.
