Connected across the globe: The TUM Community welcomes the TUM Chamber Orchestra in Brazil
Alumni, TUM Global, News, TUM São Paulo |
The tour was accompanied by a special alumni event that brought together the global TUM Community in South America – an inspiring testament to the fact that TUM’s international reach is not only geographical, but deeply personal.
From Florianópolis to São Paulo: Music as a bridge between cultures
The ensemble spent the first week in Florianópolis, where it performed alongside the Orquestra Filarmônica Catarinense (OFIC). The joint concert on June 12 at the Teatro Ademir Rosa (CIC) drew an enthusiastic audience of around 900 guests and stood as a powerful example of successful musical collaboration across continents.
In the second week, the orchestra traveled to São Paulo and straight to one of Latin America’s most prestigious concert halls: Sala São Paulo, an architectural gem housed in a former train station. On Sunday, June 15, the musicians performed an impressive matinee concert with OFIC, enchanting an audience of about 1,400 guests. Among them were 72 TUM Alumni, international partners, and friends of the university, who had accepted TUM’s invitation to this exclusive concert
A night of reunion and inspiration – The alumni reception
On June 17, TUM and the TUM Liaison Office São Paulo hosted a festive alumni and orchestra reception at the residence of the German Consul General. In an elegant setting, 69 guests – including alumni, orchestra members, and numerous international partners –gathered to reconnect, network, and celebrate together.
Through spontaneous video messages and personal conversations, many guests praised the evening’s special atmosphere, the tangible TUM spirit, and the unifying power of music. TUM Ambassador Professor Dr. Edson Bim emphasized the vibrancy and inspiration of the event: “The evening was extremely interactive – just perfect.”
A highlight of the chamber orchestra’s journey was the reunion, the new encounters, and the growing network of people united by a shared story. Whether in historic concert halls filled with classical music or in heartfelt conversations about future plans at the consulate, it was always about keeping the TUM spirit alive.
TUM Alumni, students, and partners came together – united by a deep-rooted sense of belonging that spans generations and continents.
Music as a form of social engagement – Concert in Monte Azul
Beyond the grand stages, the TUM Chamber Orchestra also made a strong statement for social inclusion.
In the Monte Azul community of São Paulo, the ensemble performed a moving concert together with children and youth from the local music school at the neighborhood’s community and cultural center. All 120 seats were filled to capacity – some guests even sat on the floor to experience the hour-long performance. The orchestra donated two violins to the Associação Comunitária Monte Azul as a lasting gift and a symbol of long-term support.
An international project backed by strong support
The TUM Chamber Orchestra’s tour of Brazil was more than a concert tour – it was a cultural expedition, a meaningful encounter with the global TUM Community, and a living expression of what defines TUM beyond lecture halls: interdisciplinary excellence, international commitment, and enduring human connections.
This journey was made possible by the support of the TUM University Foundation, the Goethe-Institute through its funding program for amateur orchestras, and the Bavarian Music Council.
The TUM Chamber Orchestra is an ensemble of students, staff, and alumni of TUM. With a broad repertoire ranging from classical to contemporary music, it is an integral part of the university’s cultural life. It includes members of the Symphonic Ensemble Munich, widely known for its TUM Advent Concerts.
The TUM Community connects over 110,000 alumni in more than 150 countries. Through local chapters, regular events, and international networks, TUM fosters lifelong relationships among former and current university members, as well as between alumni and students. With the TUM Liaison Office São Paulo, the university also maintains a strong presence in South America. www.community.tum.de