The Goiás Philharmonic Orchestra is a classical music ensemble based in Goiânia, Brazil. Founded in 1971, the orchestra has become one of the most important cultural institutions in the state of Goiás and has gained national and international recognition for its performances. The orchestra was founded by conductor and composer Joaquim Jayme, who served as its first artistic director. Under his leadership, the orchestra quickly gained a reputation for excellence and began to attract top musicians from Brazil and abroad. In 1974, the orchestra became the official orchestra of the State of Goiás, and in 1979, it was renamed the Goiás Philharmonic Orchestra. Over the years, the orchestra has had many talented musicians and conductors, including Cláudio Santoro, who served as its artistic director from 1985 to 1989. During his tenure, the orchestra performed many of his own compositions, as well as works by other Brazilian composers. One of the highlights of the orchestra's history was its performance at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, where it played for an audience of world leaders, including then-President of Brazil Fernando Collor de Mello. The orchestra also performed at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, where it played for athletes and spectators from around the world. In addition to its performances in Brazil, the Goiás Philharmonic Orchestra has toured extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and the Americas. It has performed in prestigious venues such as the Berlin Philharmonic, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the Carnegie Hall in New York City. The orchestra has also received many awards and honors over the years. In 2003, it was awarded the Carlos Gomes Prize, one of the most prestigious awards for classical music in Brazil. In 2010, it was named the official orchestra of the city of Goiânia, and in 2011, it was awarded the Order of Cultural Merit by the Brazilian government. Today, the Goiás Philharmonic Orchestra continues to be one of the most important cultural institutions in Brazil. Under the leadership of its current artistic director, Neil Thomson, the orchestra has continued to perform a wide range of classical music, from the works of Bach and Mozart to contemporary composers such as John Adams and Philip Glass. The orchestra's commitment to excellence and its dedication to promoting classical music in Brazil and around the world have made it a beloved institution among music lovers and a source of pride for the people of Goiás.

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