About us
The UKBrazil Philharmonic Orchestra (UKBPO) is a community-focused ensemble dedicated to fostering connections through music. We believe in the power of music to bring people together, regardless of age or experience.
Our orchestra offers a welcoming environment for musicians of all levels, from young beginners to seasoned professionals. We provide a supportive space for families and friends to learn and perform together, creating a true sense of musical community.
Our repertoire is designed to enhance orchestral technique and broaden musical knowledge. We explore a diverse range of styles, including film scores, folk music, popular music, and classical compositions.
The UKBPO was founded in August 2022 by conductor Tarcísio Dantas. Inspired by his travels in the UK and Brazil, Tarcísio envisioned an orchestra that would bridge the cultural gap between these two nations. Since our inaugural concert in November 2022, we have maintained an annual program of public performances.
We are grateful for the support of our members, audience, and community partners. Your belief in our mission is essential to our continued success.
Conductor: Tarcisio Dantas
Born in Minas Gerais, Brazil, Tarcísio began his musical studies at the church of the Christian Congregation in Brazil. His violin skills developed under the guidance of Davi Graton, a soloist with the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra. In 2007, while studying with Ana Ghită (Romania), he joined the Sergipe Symphony Orchestra and was appointed principal second violinist in 2010. During this time, Tarcísio participated in masterclasses with renowned soloists Daniel Guedes, Ronedilk Dantas, Emanuelle Baldini, Elisa Fukuda, and Marcio Rodrigues.
In 2008, Tarcísio began teaching music at the Federal University of Sergipe and was a founding member of the university’s orchestra (Osufs). From 2009 to 2014, he coordinated string teaching at the Youth Orchestra of the Vale of Contiguiba (OSVC) social project and at the Youth Orchestra of Aracaju since 2013.
Tarcísio’s tenure with the Sergipe Symphony Orchestra marked a significant milestone in his career. He performed as a soloist in several baroque concertos, including Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and La Stravaganza, under the direction of esteemed maestros like Isaac Karabtchevsky, Michel Legrand, Roberto Tibiriçá, Guilherme Mannis, Luiz Malheiro, Ion Bressan, and Piotr Borkowski. He also participated in notable orchestral tours and international music festivals.
In 2014, while visiting Lisbon, Portugal, Tarcísio met Professor Bogumila Burfin (Portland) and attended a pedagogical music orientation day at her music school. He subsequently traveled to Spain, France, and England, where he conceived the idea of a collaborative musical project.
Upon returning to Brazil, Tarcísio continued developing his private music school project, which had been in progress since 2010. He founded the Targues Musical company and subsequently established the Brazilian Musical Institute (Instituto Musical Brasileiro – Imusb). From 2015 to 2021, he served as coordinator and conductor of the Juvenile Orchestra of Imusb, fostering musical growth in São Cristóvão, Sergipe.
Since his European trip in 2014, Tarcísio has maintained musical connections and joined the Bromley Symphony Orchestra in 2015. While visiting London, he envisioned creating an orchestra composed of British and Brazilian musicians.
In 2022, Conductor Dantas presented a proposal to the British government for the establishment of this musical project. He opened a branch of the Targues Musical company in the UK and, with government approval, relocated his family to England to launch the UK Brazil Philharmonic Orchestra (UKBPO).