It's not often a utility company is associated with classical music. But that's exactly what you'll find when it comes to a Brazilian subsidiary of the State Grid Corporation of China, the world's largest utility company. A classical musical orchestra from one of Rio de Janeiro's biggest slums has just received a major financial boost from the Chinese company. CGTN's Lucrecia Franco reports.

Mozart, this is what the Mare Orchestra of Tomorrow's elite musicians chose to play at the inauguration of their first school in one of Rio de Janeiro's most violent shanty towns. Mare is the name of a complex of 16 favelas, home to some 140-thousand people. Military occupations and shootouts are common in this crime-ridden area, dominated by rival drug gangs. China's State Grid Brazil Holding's president unveiled the school's plaque. He said investments go hand in hand with social change.

CAI HONGXIAN PRESIDENT, STATE GRID BRAZIL HOLDING S.A. "Try to help the people in a country of a bright future, so that is why we selected this project."

The orchestra's school is a dream come true for director Carlos Prazeres. In addition to this theatre, it will have nine acoustically-adapted classrooms for rehearsals.

CARLOS EDUARDO PRAZERES ORCHESTRA DIRECTOR "You can be sure that music touches their souls and they are able to escape drugs and violence. They discover that they can dream, that they can be whoever they wish, not just musicians."

Since the musical project was started by State Grid in 2011, it has expanded rapidly.

LUCRECIA FRANCO RIO DE JANEIRO "Thirty-five hundred kids, from ages four to 20 are involved in the project that helps them not just to develop musical skills but also focus on their futures."

Gabriel, a gifted viola player, says the orchestra gave him a profession.

GABRIEL FARIAS VIOLA PLAYER "It changed my life, it brought friendship, patience for my studies, better grades and it opened a door. I always wanted to be a musician, but I didn't have the opportunity, which is something the orchestra gave me."

Juliana Oliveira, a second violinist, has other plans.

JULIANA OLIVEIRA PRINCIPAL SECOND VIOLINIST "I want to be a music producer and combine it with teaching, so I can give classes. So, it's not that I want to play the violin, but it's related to music."

The school cost more than 600-thousand dollars and was mostly financed by State Grid Brazil which also sponsors the orchestra's operation. Now plans include Sunday concerts as a relief from the favela's violence. Lucrecia Franco, CGTN, Rio de Janeiro.