On December 18th, during the Christmas celebration, El Sistema Texas offered its first gala concert titled Christmas Gala 2022.

The event took place at the auditorium of Iglesia Sobre La Roca in Katy, Texas. The event was graced by special guests including the Mayor’s Office of Houston, the Consulate of Colombia in Houston, the Houston Symphony Orchestra, and Chevron.

The Christmas Gala was led by maestro Álvaro Carrillo as executive director, violinist Rhomy López as orchestral director, and soprano Jessica Colmenares as choir director.

The performance featured 38 children from the Texas Hispanic Symphony Orchestra aged 4 to 15, another 34 children from the Texas Hispanic Symphony Choir aged 6 to 14, and a special participation from the APV Amigos por Vida Choir, Pablo Martínez (piano), Manuel Villasmil (Cuatro), and Juan José Capella (Percussion).

During the concert, classic Christmas pieces were performed alongside popular songs. The iconic aguinaldos were sung by the Children’s Symphony Choir, showcasing their vocal quality and discipline, reviving the Christmas spirit in the venue.

There was also a notable performance by the children’s group from the Symphony Orchestra, who enhanced the character of each piece with their instruments. Finally, in the closing of the Gala, the children displayed their musical prowess by performing renowned classics such as the universal theme “Ode to Joy” by the great German composer L.V. Beethoven, Silent Night, Jingle Bell, and concluding with the musical piece “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” under the baton of maestro Álvaro Carrillo, where the audience was deeply moved.

This first Gala of the Texas System, aimed at fundraising for its programs, was starred by small but shining stars, where the highlight was witnessing the vocal and musical progress achieved by the choir and the children’s orchestra, respectively.

Undoubtedly, the presentation turned out to be a beautiful gift for their families and for all the audience present. We eagerly await their next Gala.

And thus, with support for these great initiatives, the children of our Hispanic Community will write their history, of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. A story that will speak of adventures and learning, of discipline, rehearsals, and also applause. They will grow, simply by writing their own story. Like the story of all who arrive here…