The Moinho In Concert show, held last weekend in Corumbá, drew 3,500 people over the two days of performances. This year, ‘O Fazedor de Amanhecer’ (‘The Dawn Maker’) was presented, inspired by the work of the same name by Manoel de Barros, featuring illustrations by Ziraldo, kindly lent for the show.

The performances also marked the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Instituto Moinho Cultural Sul-Americano, an institution recently awarded as the best NGO in Mato Grosso do Sul and the best NGO in the country in the Culture category.

‘O Fazedor de Amanhecer’ offered a reflection on the need to change attitudes and the importance of starting over. The show featured a special appearance by actor Arce Corrêa, musicians Márcio de Camillo and Celina Charlier, as well as the choirs ‘Fundación Coral y Orquestral ArteCanto’ and ‘Instituto Superior de Formación Artística Bellas Artes’, from Santa Cruz/BO, with 35 members.

In music and dance alone, more than 500 people — most of them children and adolescents — were involved.

Cristiane Colombo, 41, watched the show and was moved by the words of Manoel de Barros. “I really liked it (the show). It’s a combination of orchestra, dance and choir. Very beautiful. The moment that struck me most was the beginning, with the words of Manoel de Barros, where he says that love is born in the heart, not in glass. I loved that and I’ve already kept it for myself,” says the mother of three children who take part in Moinho Cultural and who performed in the show.

For teenager Bianca Guedes, 15, the performance was poetic. “The show was incredible and super poetic, like all the ones Moinho Cultural puts on. And it carries a very strong and moving message,” she summed up.

Moinho Cultural’s executive director, Márcia Rolon, highlighted the importance of Moinho In Concert also for the economy of Mato Grosso do Sul, and especially of Corumbá. Over 20 years of Moinho Cultural and also of Moinho In Concert, more than 12 thousand costumes have been produced and more than 300 suppliers involved, including micro-entrepreneurs.

“As it turns 20 years old, the Instituto Moinho Cultural Sul-Americano celebrates its dedication to art, culture and education, but also its significant impact on the training of professionals and on the economic development of Corumbá and all of Mato Grosso do Sul. We go far beyond teaching music and dance: we shape citizens. Conscious citizens committed to their neighbors, to their community. People who, through dedication and effort, become outstanding professionals, contributing not only to their families but also to the local and state economy,” she said, moved.

First lady Mônica Riedel watched the show and congratulated the institution. “Moinho Cultural is a reference around the world. This work transforms lives. Being here makes me feel like a blessed person. I am very happy to see them honor Manoel de Barros. Just like Moinho Cultural, he too is a reference,” she said, at the opening of the show.

Representing the Minister of Culture, Margareth Menezes, Leandro Anton highlighted the importance of Moinho Cultural. “The Brazilian State stands ready to recognize these trajectories, and one of them is Moinho Cultural, which is now a Pontão de Cultura (Culture Hub). Moinho Cultural has such a wide reach that it is a reference within Mato Grosso do Sul and is the network organizer of other institutions that work and act in cultural policy,” he stated.

State representative Paulo Duarte, a long-time partner, also attended Moinho In Concert and highlighted the role played by Márcia Rolon over the years.