By Ana Carolina Morales
Tiny but powerful voices earned the hearts of the audience. With their navy blue, white, and red uniforms, forty members of the Hispanic Children’s and Youth Symphony Choirs of El Sistema Texas performed in front of hundreds of people in a combined choir at East-Central Texase. They sang part of the piece titled Requiem, from the French composer and organist Gabriel Fauré.
For the first time, the young singers performed outside of Houston after being invited to collaborate with Blinn College and Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church Choirs. The music ensemble of singers performed at Blinn College Schmidt Building in Brenham, on Saturday, March 23. The next day, they sang at Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church (Bryan) on Palm Sunday.
Under the conduction of Maestro Daniel Trevor Bircher, the forty children surpassed their fears and enlightened the audiences with their intervention in the last movement of the play: In Paradisum. Their participation lasted around 20 minutes in an intense and moving melody that took up the hearts of the spectators.
After the presentation, the founder of El Sistema Texas Rhomy López expressed her perception of the event. “Their performance touched the hearts of all attendees with angel-like voices that highlighted the purity and beauty of their interpretation. Their dedication and passion for music were in every note played.”
For Alvaro Carrillo, CEO and founder of El Sistema Texas, this event was also a tribute to maestro Jose Antonio Abreu, the musician who founded the National System of Youth and Children’s Orchestras and Choirs of Venezuela. Last Sunday was the fifth anniversary of Abreu’s death.
“This concert has also been a heartfelt tribute to him. His vision and passion continue to inspire us all. The best tribute we can offer him is to continue his legacy through these young promises,” stated Carrillo.
At El Sistema Texas, children and teenagers develop their vocal and musical skills every Saturday. By learning musical education, they strengthen their self-confidence and teamwork. Students develop discipline and responsibility through practice and presentations. Last, but not least, they experience the power of music to bring people together, crossing cultural and linguistic barriers.
If you would like to learn more about El Sistema Texas programs visit our website to discover more about the positive impact of music.