The artistic programme presents national, international and carioca companies - With an audience of more the 23.000 people in its last edition, the Festival seeks to offer an innovative and experimental format, and to promote discussions and social participations through the many performances concepts, lectures, seminars and workshops. backed by several distinguished sponsors, this avant-garde event is highly regarded in rio - whether in dance, theater, visual arts, or music, each artist must find strategies for production and visibility of their work, adding to the authenticity and pathos of each performance. since 1961, every november the villa-lobos festival has promoted Brazilian musicians and composers through a variety of concerts and shows -  both classical and popular music are presented to the audiences, with particular attention to Brazilian culture.