Spreading the love of classical music

PANAMA. Music appreciation events are gaining momentum in Panama, as another festival aimed at offering locals the opportunity to learn, taste, and enjoy music gets readied immediately after the conclusion of the VII International Guitar Gathering.

This time the spotlight falls on classical music, as the Fundación Sinfonía Concertante de Panamá embarks on a new instalment of The Alfredo de Saint Malo Music Festival starting Thursday May 28 until Sunday June 7.

The Festival aims to bring together national and international musicians in a great cultural and artistic exchange, through diverse activities that prepare Panamanian artists in the world of classical music.

According to organizers, classical music does not currently reach far into our country.

There are few consistent and regular classical music programs that penetrate mainstream Panama.

The Alfredo Saint-Malo Music Festival hopes to start filling this void, promoting music education, appreciation, and performance in the country.

The 11-day festival includes concerts by local and guest artists, the National Symphony of Panama, the Orquesta Juvenil Istmeña and more.

It will also feature a series of master classes, lectures, workshops, private lessons, and didactic concerts which will benefit hundreds of young musicians and about 5,000 school children in Panama.

Classical concerts will be held throughout the Festival, from May 28 – June 7, at different venues and at different prizes. Tickets for the main concerts on May 28, 29, June, 5 ,6 ,7 at the National Theater are $5 - $15 and sold at Blockbuster.

There will be a free concert at the Cathedral Plaza (Casco Viejo) on Sunday May 31 from 1 – 6:00 p.m.

Participants include the US Navy hospital ship Comfort’s band, currently at Colon offering free medical service.

The band consists of 17 musicians using their talents to spread a message of good will.

Directed by Captain Cristina Moore, there is a wind quintet, a military band, and a rock band. Their repertoire includes pop, salsa, military marches, some jazz, funk, bluegrass and Dixieland.

On Monday June 1, the Italian embassy is sponsoring a free concert at the National Theater at 7:30 p.m., based on music from Italian cinema.

In addition to the concerts, lectures on Panamanian composers, musical therapy and violin and viola pedagogy will be held at the Anita Villalaz Theater from Monday June 1 – Thursday June 4 in the afternoon at a cost of $2.

Trumpet, piano, violin, viola, cello, singing, and orchestra direction lessons will also be offered from Friday May 29 – June 4 at the Anita Villalaz Theater.

For more information on additional concerts, and lectures/ lessons times and teachers, check out: www.asmfestivalpanama.com.