1. Introduction to the Petrópolis Winter Festival
Photo of São Pedro de Alcântara Cathedral by Rodrigo Azevedo. Photo courtesy of Dell'Arte.
During two weeks every year, the Petrópolis Winter Festival adds concerts, dance performances, workshops, plays and other cultural events to the bustling winter season in Petrópolis, RJ.
The event is promoted by Dell'Arte, which manages another winter festival in nearby Nova Friburgo. The calendar for the two events is streamlined, allowing for a full month of quality attractions in the Fluminense mountain range.
In 2009, the 9th Petrópolis Winter Festival (June 27-July 12) is themed around the Year of France in Brazil. The opening concert, featuring music by Handel, was at the São Pedro de Alcântara Cathedral.
Read about some of the other venues. Tickets are affordable and some concerts are free, in exchange for a food donation.
2. Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace. Photo courtesy of Dell'Arte.
At the Crystal Palace, an 1879 construction surrounded by gardens, is hosting free jazz concerts during the 2009 Petrópolis Winter Festival.
The Crystal Palace (capacity: 300) is wheelchair accessible.
Address & Contact Information:
Rua Alfredo Pachá (no number)Phone: 55-24-2247-3721
3. Hotel Solar do Império
Hotel Solar do Império. Photo courtesy of Dell'Arte.
At Hotel Solar do Império, festival goers can enjoy high tea (July 2 and 9 at 5p) or a happy hour (Tue and Thur at 6p) with live music.
4. Imperial Museum
Imperial Museum. Photo courtesy of Dell'Arte.
The Imperial Museum is one of the Petrópolis Winter Festival venues. In 2009, candlelit concerts with a diversified progam celebrating the contributions of France to music will be held at the museum on Fridays and Saturdays, at 6pm.
Midday piano concerts in the museum's Battle Room, introduced by Dell'Arte president Myrian Dauelsberg, highlight French composers in 2009.
The museum is wheelchair accessible.
Imperial Museum Address & Contact Information:
Rua da Imperatriz 220Phone: 55-24-2237-8000/ Extension 230
Ticket Office Hours: Tue-Sun, 11a-5:30p. Credit cards not accepted.
5. Teatro D. Pedro
Theatro D. Pedro (wheelchair accessible) will host some of the main events in the festival, including the closing concert on July 12 at 5p, with Orquestra Sinfônica Jovem de Campos Prof. Mariuccia Iacovino.
Brazilian pianist Arthur Moreira Lima will perform at the theater on July 2 at 8p. And on the theater stairs, you can listen to chorinho performances for free on Tuesdays at 7p.
Other free concerts will be held at the Liberdade Square, also in downtown Petrópolis.
Address & Contact Information:
Praça dos Expedicionários s/nPhone: 55-24-2235-3833
6. Festival Calendar
See the complete Petrópolis Winter Festival calendar (in Portuguese) on the Dell'Arte website.
