A performance to remember.
In four short years since its private sponsors and the Guatemala City Government joined forces, The Guatemala City System of Choirs and Orchestras has created a symphonic orchestra and chorus of truly astounding quality.
On Wednesday September 1, the Universidad Francisco Marroquín (UFM) hosted a free concert featuring both the orchestra, under the direction of Bruno Campo and the chorus with Fernando Archila directing.
Bruno Campo began his musical career at 8 years of age and made his debut as a director at 14. His short professional career has taken him to Venezuela, Miami and back to Guatemala. Now as the City Symphony’s titular director, his talents are clearly visible as he directs very accomplished musicians as young as 10 years old playing the classics for the public.
At the Wednesday night concert Campo led his young group of musicians through artful and exciting renditions of Verdi’s Obucco Overture, Tchaikovsky’s Concierto for Violin and Orchestra and Solemn 1812 Overture and Gynt’s Suite No. 1.
The performance left the audience both stunned and delighted with its professionalism and enthusiastic rendition. Bruno didn’t direct . He engaged both the orchestra and audience in a uniquely shared experience. The orchestra’s highlight performance featured guest solo violinist Alexander Reyes Sagastume.
It was clear that those present began the evening with mixed expectations; a free performance of musician all under 30? Hardly the accepted ingredients for a virtuoso performance. Campo and orchestra quickly dispelled any doubts regarding both their skill and enthusiasm. Barely two minutes into their performance of the Nabucco Overture looks of surprised appreciation filled the faces of a UFM’s Juan Bautista Gutiérrez auditorium.
The delightful and surprising evening concluded with an equally talented performance of three numbers by the chorus.
With all the bad economic news coming from the press and daily reports of the continued violence as a consequence of gang violence borne from the drug trade holding Guatemala hostage, the performance was a welcome reminder that we are the privileged to have among us a rising generation of adolescents and young adults that can lift spirits with professional-level accomplishment and infectious enthusiasm that is impossible to ignore.
This writer’s humble opinion: The next announced performance of these talented young musicians is a “don’t miss it” engagement.
TWO THUMBS UP and congratulations to the musicians, their private sponsors who provide the generous financing and UFM for providing the venue.
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