Encounters/Encuentros: Peter’s Reflection
“Encounters/Encuentros is what music is all about”
“Mexico was simply amazing! Fantastic music teachers, world famous conductors, beautiful music, new friends and of course the heat.
I have learned so much about my instrument and about music playing. Our amazing clarinet coach Sacha Rattle, son of Simon Rattle, really emphasized bringing the music to life and to not just play notes. The amazing when playing with the entire orchestra of other young passionate musicians is simply incredible. Getting the chance to meet and be conducted by the famous Mexican composer Arturo Marquez was unbelievable as I have played one of his pieces before and now I got to finally meet him in person. We also got to be conducted by the one and only Gustavo Dudamel! The intensity and energy of playing under him was amazing and you certainly will follow his every direction.
The music itself that we got to play was so beautiful. Alas a Malala was a piece composed by Arturo Marquez dedicated to Malala Yousafzai. It was in the style of a cumbia. A traditional mexican dance which was very interesting to play. The Conga del fuego and Dvorak’s New World Symphony will also be pieces that will always remind of this amazing experience.
Last but certainly not least, are the all of the wonderful people I have got to meet. Our orchestra was made up of people from all over the Americas such as Puerto Rico, Argentina, Venezuela, Mexico and the United States. The language barrier was tough but thanks to our shared passion of music I was able to connect with so many of them!
The final concert is a moment that I will never forget. Performing in the absolutely beautiful Palacio de Bellas Artes. After the encore, the applause went on for a whole 15 minutes! It was beautiful! It was bittersweet moment knowing that we had to part with our newly made friends, but I am certainly glad that I got share this extraordinary moment with them.
I am so grateful for this amazing opportunity that was only possible thanks to OrKidstra, Encuentros and the Dudamel Foundation. Thank You!” – Peter, 17, OrKidstra student (clarinet)
OrKidstra experienced this extraordinary program, “Encounters/Encuentros: Music Unites the Continents” in Mexico City, March 1-4, 2018, thanks to the generosity of The Gustavo Dudamel Foundation, which fully funded the music and citizenship intensive for all attendees and provided full scholarships for our students.
