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Theater, classical music (música erudita), and opera may be largely the preserve of the affluent upper classes in Rio, but tickets remain reasonably priced by international standards and can be purchased easily from box offices. Although understanding Portuguese may prove difficult for some visitors, musicals provide a good opportunity to catch the glitzier side of Rio, and the international language of song and dance is considerably more comprehensible. Since many of the venues are in downtown or more out-of-the-way areas, use taxis to get to and from them, as the surrounding streets can feel dangerously deserted by night.
Visual-art venues and museums are also very well endowed, with privately funded cultural centers hosting a rich variety of exhibitions, specific details of which are again best sought out in the Friday editions of the Rio press.
The samba school Salgueiro holds its pre-Carnival rehearsals only on Saturdays from 10 pm. The school also runs other events through the year, like feijoada lunches and cultural fairs, all with live samba music playing all night. Their venue is easily accessed by taxis or rideshare cars, even if you leave late at night.
The several-times winner of Rio's annual Samba School competition, Beija-Flor holds public rehearsals on Thursdays at 9 pm in the months leading up to Carnival. Since it's far from the usual tourist route, we recommend booking a tour with transport through a travel agency or book a car to go and return.
With a glorious view of Guanabara Bay and downtown, the Parque das Ruinas houses the remains of a mansion building that was Rio's bohemian epicenter in the first half of the 20th century. Today live music and theater performances are held here, and the panoramic views from the top of the building are stunning. Occasional music and art events take place during the summer. It was recently renamed to Parque Gloria Maria to honor a famous local TV journalist.
The music school auditorium, inspired by the Salle Gaveau in Paris, has 1,100 seats, and you can listen to chamber music, symphony orchestras, and opera, all free of charge. There is no regular schedule for performances, so check online or call the venue to confirm programming while you are in town.
One of the most popular schools and always a challenger for the Carnival title, Estação Primeira de Mangueira holds events throughout the year, with emphasis on monthly feijoadas on Saturday afternoons and show rehearsals on Saturday nights. Check the website for the schedule when you are in town.
This huge venue hosts some of the biggest Brazilian and international names playing in Rio, such as Caetano Veloso, Adele, Smashing Pumpkins, and Lady Gaga.
A popular concert venue for classical music in the city, the Sala hosts regular performances in a midsize hall and is known for its excellent acoustics.
