Sonidos de la Tierra, a Paraguayan organization devoted to making music available to the less fortunate, invited me to join their 2011 tour with the “World Symphony Orchestra.” The orchestra was made up of fifty young musicians from around the world, participating in a twelve day tour of concerts all over Paraguay. These twelve days not only introduced me to many people who are using their talents to promote wholesome music, but also changed my attitude toward much of today’s contemporary music.

Our first days together were spent in a beautiful camp, set in the wild, remote South Paraguayan countryside. In addition to practicing, which consumed the better part of the day, I spent time getting to know the different members of the orchestra. Some had a musical heritage and had already studied under great European masters, while others from humble farming families had discovered their talents quite by accident. Our backgrounds were widely different but our common love and appreciation for music brought us together. Somehow, our discussions seemed to have a caliber I had rarely found in other circles of teens.

Aside from the daily hours of ensemble, our curriculum left room for activities such as hikes into the bordering jungle, heated volleyball and soccer matches, and free time as well. Evenings were open to peña, informal music-making with instruments and singing. I was surprised at how many of the suggested songs were centuries-old Paraguayan favorites, obviously still loved by the country´s youth.

Our program was as varied as its performers, and ranged from the great works of Mozart and Strauss to the Brazilian samba, Argentinian tango, and other popular cultural music. I have attended concerts which nearly put me to sleep; not this one. During one piece the whole violin section jumped up and started dancing, while the cellists twirled their cellos. Another piece had the percussion section marching into the audience to make sure everyone was on their feet and participating.

One concert we held was at the great Itaipu Dam, which stems the Paraná River between Paraguay and Brazil, where we played under the full moon for an audience of a thousand. The beauty of the moment, the low rush of water blending with the music, and the majestic white beams of the dam rising in an illuminated arc around us is a jewel I’ll always treasure.

At another concert, we performed at a school in a humble indigenous village. As we played I looked out into the audience and saw the children’s dirty bare feet, the sores and bruises and scruffy clothing which told of destitution and poverty. I also saw their eyes, kindled with fascination as they took in every note of every piece. Most of these children were growing up in conditions I could hardly imagine; few of them had any prospect of a bright future. But as I looked at their faces, I just knew that our music was bringing them new inspiration, and if they were given a chance to pursue a musical instrument, this could be the key out of the cycle of poverty they were born into.

As the tour came to an end, and I said goodbye to the musicians whom I had grown so close to in such short a time, I laughed at the initial nervousness I felt on that first day at the sight of so many strangers in apparel emblazoned with national orchestras and European musical tours. These were now my friends, but they were also my comrades on an exciting new venture. We not only promised to keep in touch but, more importantly, to keep on playing.

One can debate endlessly about the merits of popular music, but because of my experience with the World Symphony Orchestra, I’ve come to see how so much of today’s modern music lacks the quality and depth of time-tested compositions. Sure, I still like some of today’s pop tunes, but I have to admit, I’ve discovered something much better, much richer—music that brings people together to experience joy, inspiration and hope. The World Symphony Orchestra changed me, but not only me, for across the world there are young people working to keep alive music which time has proved truly great.

My generation does not have to settle for songs that are synthetic, nor has it lost the heart for music that endures. I know this to be true, because I’ve experienced it. It’s an experience I wish for many of my peers. In the meantime, I’ll keep on playing. And, by the way, anyone else is welcome to join me.

Celia is currently studying Spanish in Asuncion, Paraguay.

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Responses

Dear Celia and Cie., Please keep going on with Your beautifull concept. I wisch You and Your group the blessings of our Lord. Kind. regards from Europe.

Michel Uleners. (73y.old)
Belgium

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What an incredible time to share! Thank you Celia for bringing so much joy to the children of those villages. The impact you made there will most certainly leave a lasting impression on them. As you said, maybe it will even give them something to reach for where they can come out of the cycle of poverty they were born into. Thank you for sharing this incredible experience with all of us!

Nicole Solomon
Newnan, GA