The Escuelas Libres Music Bands offered a complementary concert

The Escuelas Libres Music Bands offered a complementary concert
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic 08/05/13

T  he Enriquillo Sánchez Auditorium of the Ministry of Culture was filled to capacity during the presentation of the free concert “Soy Libre (I am Free),” with performances by the Bienvenido Bustamante orchestra, the San José de los Llanos Youth Music Band, and the Villa Trina Children’s Music Band, under the musical direction of Santy Rodríguez.

The event was sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, through the Directorate General of the Free Schools, and was headed by the Minister of Culture, José Antonio Rodríguez, who, at the end of the concert, praised the talent of the children and young people who make up the music bands.

Alongside Minister Rodríguez, the following persons shared the front row at the concert: Cornelia Diethelm, founder of the Musik Ubers Meer (Música Sobre El Mar); Hans Jorg Tanner, First Secretary of the Swiss Embassy; as well as singer Sonia Silvestre, and Carlos Salcedo, Director of the Office of Culture.

Also, Carlos Santos, in charge of the Vice Ministry of Institutional Development; Tommy García, in charge of the Vice Ministry of Creativity and Popular Participation; Luis O. Brea, Adviser to the Minister; and popular singer Milly Quezada.

The music bands played emblematic pieces such as: “El Farolito,” by Juan Luis Guerra, with arrangements by Orlando Faxas; “Arroyito Cristalino,” by Arcadio Franco, with arrangements by Ángel Maria Socorro; “Caña Brava,” by Toño Abreu, “Genesis,” by Sany Feldstein and Larry Clark; and “Quisqueya,” by Puerto Rican composer Rafael Hernández.
Other pieces that were performed were: “Somos Amantes de La Paz,” authored by the now Minister of Culture José Antonio Rodríguez, “El Sancocho Prieto,” by Luis Alberti, “Reencuentro II,” a bachata by various composers; “Leña,” by Luis Alberti; and “Guavaberry,” by Juan Luis Guerra.

The performances by the music bands received the enthusiastic applause of the audience that packed the Enriquillo Sánchez Auditorium at the Ministry Culture headquarters, located on Avenida George Washington in the National District.

During the concert Ángel Socorro and Juan Carlos Padilla were the guest conductors. They drew the public’s attention due to their dedication and the professionalism with which they conducted the orchestras.

Prior to the start of the concert Minister Rodríguez said that the work achieved by the Free Schools System is an example of the artistic and musical work being performed by the Ministry of Culture integrating children and youth from the grassroots social segments of society.

Rodríguez said that the children who receive training through the Free Schools are a great example of hope, and he tanked Samantha Olivero for all the work that she and her team had done to achieve a successful presentation of the concert. Olivero delivered the welcoming remarks.

Mrs. Cornelia Diethelm received a plaque during the event in recognition for her efforts in providing instruments to the Free Schools across the country, so that they can be trained and provide training in the art of music.

The National System of Free Schools provides education and training to the talents that are hidden in the various provinces, municipalities and communities nationwide.

Special guests included the Carril de Haina Free School Folkloric Ballet, the Guachupita Free School, and the Cocolo Free School Dancing Theatre.