San Diego Symphony Orchestra Returns to Tijuana

Tijuana BC.- After a twenty-year hiatus, the San Diego Symphony Orchestra made a triumphant return to Tijuana on a memorable Thursday evening. Despite initial setbacks and challenges in accessing the venue, the theater at the Tijuana Cultural Center (Cecut) was packed to capacity. The locals warmly embraced the ensemble of 82 musicians, led by the acclaimed Rafael Payare. The orchestra showcased a diverse repertoire, ranging from the compositions of Richard Strauss to those of Juan Pablo Moncayo.

Payare, emblematic of the successful Venezuelan "El Sistema" program that has produced talents like Gustavo Dudamel, commenced the evening with Strauss's majestic "Also Sprach Zarathustra." Rendering this 33-minute masterpiece necessitated a special organ transport from San Diego. While an unexpected round of applause momentarily interrupted the performance, the orchestra, adorned with Mexican details for the occasion, remained undeterred in their concentration.

The evening took a Latin American twist with "Danza Abreu No. 3 and 4" by American composer David Chesky. These pieces stand as a tribute to José Antonio Abreu, the visionary behind Venezuela's esteemed National System of Youth and Children's Orchestras. They hold a pivotal spot in the symphony's current repertoire.

The concert reached its zenith with "Kauyumari" by Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz. However, the encore garnered the loudest accolades. Payare chose "Huapango" by Moncayo, a symbol of 20th-century Mexican nationalism, as a gift to the audience, evoking deep emotions among the attendees.

Tijuana

Dedican altares a migrantes fallecidos en la frontera

The successful orchestration of this event was also a diplomatic feat, largely attributed to the efforts of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, as they champion cultural events marking the 200th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Mexico and the United States.

Choosing the Day of the Dead for this concert was far from coincidental. Martha Gilmer, the executive director of the musical institution, emphasized that the date was selected as a tribute to Mexico's rich cultural heritage and its people