Triumphant Return from the United States

Triumphant Return from the United States
Ashburn, Virginia, USA 7/29/2011

Young violinist and orchestra director, Luis Antonio Feliz Tejeda, returned home after a successful tour of the United States as guest director of the International Youth Orchestra. The tour was organized by the Youth Music Preservation and Promotion Association (YMPPA) which is directed by the renowned violinist and director, Gabriela Bohnett, who graduated from the National Network of Youth and Children’s Orchestras of Venezuela, widely known as “The System.”

There were assistants from various Latin American countries at the events who filled the roles of musicians and mentors; there were also musicians and directors from Europe.

Luis Antonio filled the role of guest director for the International Youth Orchestra as it toured five US states: Virginia (Ashburn, Leesburg & Purcellville), Maryland, Washington, DC., New York and Los Angeles. He directed the traditional Hungarian folk dance by Vittorio Monti and gave violin workshops at the events.

There were assistants from various Latin American countries at the events who filled the roles of musicians and mentors; there were also musicians and directors from Europe. The other guest directors were Hilda Saquicoray Ávila and José Martínez from Mexico and Gabriela Bohnett from Venezuela, among others.

Speaking of his experience, Luis Antonio Tejeda said he was “very pleased with the opportunity given to me by the International Youth Orchestra to be a guest director. This unforgettable experience also helped me consolidate fraternal links with other countries around the world and to solidify my own career as a prominent player and director which gives me the chance to congratulate all those involved in artistic endeavors in the Dominican Republic,” said the young musician. “Thank you to my distinguished friend, Ramón de la Rosa and the architect, Hanoi Sánchez, for encouraging and motivating me to accept this invitation which is very important for my career.”

The tour included an important cultural exchange program among the international delegation of assistants which involved the US press, government officials and diplomats as well as a large group of parents.

Luis Antonio stayed with the Palushi family, developing a strong bond with the family members.

The tour included two prominent young soloists: pianist Gabriel Herbert, who played Haydn’s Concert for Piano accompanied by the International Youth Orchestra Chamber Orchestra. Luis Antonio played alternate concertina along with José Meza from Venezuela and a 13-year-old American girl who played Tango for Harp.
This event was held as a biennial in the United States thanks to the collaboration of several volunteer families and patrons who make up the International Youth Orchestra circle under the direction of Gabriela Bohnett. Ms. Bohnett is a well-known young violinist and director of Little Mozart Academy in Virginia where she is one of the sensational leaders of The System movement in the United States which graduates outstanding young soloists year after year.

Try-outs for the International Youth Orchestra is set for March 2012 in Venezuela where they will once again meet as a big musical family. Luis Antonio Tejeda has already been formally asked to attend this coming year’s gathering in Venezuela.