By Ana Carolina Morales
Customers and staff from Russo’s Pizzeria at the Westgreen location had a peculiar evening on Sunday, April 28, when they shared their restaurant with El Sistema Texas. From 5:00 PM, eleven children played their instruments to the guests’ enjoyment. Their goal is to raise funds for their international encounter of children’s orchestras in Europe.
With white shirts, red pants, and blue ribbons, the young musicians arranged their string instruments: violin, viola, cello, and double bass, and played in the lobby area of the store. They performed classical musical pieces under the conduction of their teacher, Rhomy López.
“The restaurant was full; there was a good reception. The repertoire is part of the European Tour with the songs Cafe Calypso, the Hymn of Joy, Vivaldi Concerto for Strings, the Overture, and a Venezuelan piece titled Merengue del Primer Dedo. People were happy, and so were the owners of Russo’s. The restaurant will continue to support us,” said López.
The young artists are members of the Hispanic Children’s Symphony Orchestra which is performing in Rome, Italy, and Paris, France, from June 1 to 12. Il Violino Colorato, an orchestral educational program based in Rome, Italy, invited El Sistema Texas to join them on this international tour.
Among melodies and applauses, the evening fell into the night at Russo’s Westgreen. Customers stayed after their meals to enjoy the atmosphere. “The concert was amazing. They all played well. It was really good.” Other guests highlighted how proficient the children were as they performed. “It was pleasant to see them play while I had dinner with my family. We would love to relieve this dinner.”
El Sistema Texas has a GoFundMe campaign going on. If you want to donate, click here.
This non-profit organization, based in Houston, Texas, has the conviction to switch electronic toys for musical instruments that improve the general well-being of their students. The academy has 150 children ages 6-17 who learn and practice music every Saturday.
