Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos conducted the premiere performances of Chôros No. 6 and Chôros No. 11 at the Theatro Municipal in Rio de Janeiro. Villa-Lobos was the most influential Brazilian classical composer of the 20th century. The Chôros series blended Brazilian popular music, Indigenous rhythms, and European classical traditions. Chôros No. 11, written for large orchestra and piano, is considered one of his most ambitious works. The performances highlighted Brazil’s growing presence in the international classical music scene. Villa-Lobos’s role as both composer and conductor reinforced his authority in shaping Brazilian musical identity.
