São Paulo’s Teatro B32 has announced the creation of the ECO Orchestra, a new professional ensemble that will present its inaugural season between September 2026 and June 2027. American conductor Ira Levin has been appointed Artistic Director, while Daniel Oliveira will serve as Executive Director.
The orchestra’s first season will comprise nine programmes, each performed twice. According to the announced plans, the repertoire will range from the Baroque period to the twentieth century while also including works by Brazilian composers.
Building the orchestra
To assemble its permanent roster, the ECO Orchestra has opened auditions for 20 musicians. Applications are being accepted until 25 July for positions in the violin, viola, cello, flute, oboe, bassoon, French horn and trumpet sections.
The inaugural concerts are scheduled for 11 and 12 September 2026 at Teatro B32.
A broad repertoire
The season will explore music from several centuries, featuring composers including Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Saint-Saëns, Prokofiev, Villa-Lobos and Camargo Guarnieri. Guest artists are expected to include violinist Emmanuele Baldini and pianist Marcelo Bratke.
An experienced music director
Levin brings extensive international experience to the new project. A graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, he has conducted more than 1,200 opera performances worldwide and has held senior positions at major institutions in both Brazil and Argentina.
His previous appointments include Principal Conductor of the Bremen Opera, Music Director of São Paulo’s Teatro Municipal, Principal Guest Conductor of Buenos Aires’ Teatro Colón and Artistic and Music Director of Rio de Janeiro’s Teatro Municipal.
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