Conductor of Rio de Janeiro Philharmonic Orchestra Honored at World Forum in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Top40 Charts/ Rio de Janeiro Philharmonic Orchestra) - Maestro Florentino Dias, conductor of the Rio de Janeiro Philharmonic Orchestra, was honored for his achievements and excellence in classical music by the American Biographical Institute (ABI) and International Biographical Centre (IBC) at their annual World Forum on Saturday, July 7th, 2007. The Florentino Dias Award Foundation will be given annually and will recognize an international candidate's achievement in classical music.

"I am honored to be recognized by the American Biographical Institute and International Biographical Centre," said Maestro Dias. "I hope that individuals who receive this award in the future will also feel honored for their work in the field of classical music."

Maestro Dias is founder of three Rio de Janeiro orchestras and serves as a member of the Music International Academy. In addition to his work in Brazil, Dias is a professional affiliate of the American Symphony Orchestra League and a member of the Music International Academy, where he holds the Richard Strauss Chair as "immortal."

Maestro Dias is also personally invested in offering symphony performances as well as teaching music to the underprivileged. This past May, Maestro Dias conducted a Concert for Peace in Rio de Janeiro. The concert featured the children's choir of the music school of Rocinha. Rocinha is one of the largest favelas in Rio. He plans to create a youth orchestra for children who may not have the resources to own instruments or play otherwise, and wants to be able to perform classical music in poor communities to bring peace and end suffering.

The 2007 World Forum invited representatives from 40 countries to visit historical sites in Washington and to attend symposiums on Health, Science, Education and Technology, among other areas. In addition to the establishment of the award in his name, Maestro Dias also received the "International Professional of the Year" award and the Order of International Fellowship from the International Bibliographical Centre at the World Forum.