This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
All the way from Venezuela!
The Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela was founded in 1975 by economist and conductor Jose Antonio Abreu, who said, “An orchestra means joy, motivation, teamwork, [and] the aspiration to success.” This orchestra comprises more than 200 musicians ages 18-28, representing the most polished students who learned music through El Sistema – the National System of Youth and Children’s Orchestras and Choirs of Venezuela. Much more than a music education program, El Sistema is a visionary global movement based on Maestro Abreu’s philosophy that learning music as a collective practice can teach youth values and skills that will help them achieve their full potential in life. The program currently serves 400,000 people across Venezuela, 75% of whom live below the poverty line. There are a growing number of programs modeled after El Sistema in the US.
The above blurb came from the KidsNotes activity booklet that I received earlier today at the Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra performance at Carnegie Hall. The concert was geared towards young children. One piece, La Conga del Fuego Nuevo by Arturo Marquez, introduced the different instrument families to the audience as they passed a melody back and forth between the various instruments. Here is the full program (click to hear!):
- E. CASTELLANOS Santa Cruz de Parcairigua
- ARTURO MÁRQUEZ Danzón No. 2
- ARTURO MÁRQUEZ La Conga del Fuego Nuevo
- ELGAR Nimrod From Enigma Variations, Op. 36
- GINASTERA Malambo from Estancia
- BERNSTEIN Mambo from West Side Story
- GUTIERREZ Alma Llanera (I apologize for the poor quality)
The concert was about an hour in length, with breaks in between pieces by Claudette Sierra. She introduced the various conductors (Gustavo Dudamel was not there today) as well as the different composers and their music.
It is hard to choose which piece was my favorite because most of them, if not all of them, were phenomenal! For example, Bernstein’s Mambo was FANTASTIC as the musicians not only played powerfully, but they danced along to the music. And when I say dance, I don’t mean sway. The musicians got out of their seats and twirled around, twirled their double basses and cellos, and did little shuffles here and there. It was absolutely CRAZY! This piece, and many others, were very upbeat and it was hard for me to not get up and dance along with them! There was only one piece that was calm and soothing, and that was Elgar’s Nimrod from Enigma Variations, Op. 36. I had my eyes closed for its entirety and it almost lulled me to sleep! I was very impressed with their focus on cultural music – many of the composers came from South America! It’s one thing to play orchestral music, but it’s another thing when you’re preserving your culture!
Another thing I quite enjoyed was watching the musicians as they played. Because I was seated in the second highest balcony, I had a very good view of everyone at once. When their bows went up, they were synchronized. When they played the music, they were in sync. It was quite lovely to look at. I also admired the percussionists who have to put so much movement into their performance.
I must say, there were some funny moments at this performance, and none of them had to do with the performers. Because it was a children’s concert, I would assume that some of the people there aren’t educated in music etiquette. When I say this, I don’t mean to sound elitist, but there were many times when the audience would erupt into applause and the piece wasn’t finished yet! Also, it wasn’t very hard to tell that there were children in the audience. During silent moments and gaps, one could hear an entirely different orchestra of toddler squeals, laughs, and screams. I don’t think, though, that it was distracting for me. I quite like the idea that Carnegie Hall has a children’s program. I’m glad that young children are getting exposed to great music! Having this particular youth orchestra on the concert might also be extremely inspiring to some young ones in the audience!
At the end of all the music and all the applause, the musicians took off their signature yellow, blue, and red blazers and threw them into the audience. Too bad I was so high up!!!
The Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela
Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage
December 9, 2012
Marina B. Nebro