Aquarius Project Brings Free Shows to Praça Mauá in September
Rio de Janeiro · Culture & Public Space
Key Facts
- Event. The Aquarius Project returns to Praça Mauá on 19 September.
- Admission. The event is free and open to the public, with no prior registration needed.
- Performers. Emicida, Leci Brandão and the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra share the stage.
- Conductor. Carlos Prazeres leads the orchestra for the programme.
- Start time. The music begins at 2pm local time.
The Aquarius Project Praça Mauá edition brings Emicida, Leci Brandão and the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra together for a free public concert on 19 September.
Rio de Janeiro’s waterfront will host a rare musical meeting this month. The Aquarius Project returns to Praça Mauá with a free programme that blends symphony, samba and rap.
A Free Concert at the Heart of the Port
The event takes place on 19 September at Praça Mauá, the open square beside the Museum of Tomorrow. Organisers have set the start time at 2pm.
No ticket or advance booking is required. The public can simply arrive and take part in the open-air performance.
Three Very Different Artists, One Stage
The Brazilian Symphony Orchestra, known as the OSB, anchors the afternoon under conductor Carlos Prazeres. Joining the orchestra are rapper Emicida and samba singer Leci Brandão.
The pairing is deliberate. The Aquarius Project has long used its stage to connect classical music with popular Brazilian sounds.
The Theme: Music and Time
The programme carries the title “A música e o tempo”, or “Music and Time”. It sets classical works beside songs that shaped modern Brazilian identity.
Composers on the bill include Carlos Gomes, Tchaikovsky, Villa-Lobos and Ennio Morricone. Their pieces will share space with hits from Leci Brandão and Emicida.
Why Praça Mauá Matters for the City
Praça Mauá sits in Rio’s revitalised port zone, an area that has drawn heavy public and private investment over the past decade. Large cultural gatherings there signal confidence in the district’s role as a civic meeting point.
For expats and investors, events like this are a soft indicator of urban renewal. They show how public space is being used to attract families, tourists and new residents.
The Aquarius Project’s Broader Appeal
The Aquarius Project has built a reputation for taking the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra out of the concert hall. Its free performances aim to widen the audience for orchestral music.
Bringing Emicida and Leci Brandão into that setting extends the reach further. It connects the orchestra to younger listeners and to samba’s deep roots in Rio.
What to Watch Next
The 19 September concert is a single afternoon, but its format points to a longer trend. Rio has increasingly used free cultural events to activate public squares and waterfront spaces.
For those planning to attend, arriving early is wise. Large crowds are expected given the mix of artists and the lack of ticketing.
More: Brazil news in English, every day from The Rio Times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a ticket for the Aquarius Project at Praça Mauá?
No. The event is free and open to the public, and no prior registration is required.
You can simply arrive at Praça Mauá on 19 September.
What time does the concert start?
The programme begins at 2pm local time. Organisers recommend arriving early because large crowds are expected.
Who is performing at the Praça Mauá concert?
Emicida, Leci Brandão and the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra will perform. Carlos Prazeres conducts the orchestra.
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