On Sunday, October 8, 2023, the Weston Music Society hosted its Membership Appreciation Concert at the Weston Community Center. Over 125 attendees were enraptured by the talent, poise and ability of these young performers.
The Rising Starz Academy brought 6 singers to open the program. They were followed by violin soloist Samuel Pallieja, who, at the age of 17, is concertmaster for the Greater Miami Youth Symphony, and is a regular performer with the non-profit baroque ensemble Camerata di Magdalena. The Amadeus Academy of Music and Art brought 5 outstanding pianists, capped by the performance of Juan Diego Molina’s rousing rendition of “Rhapsody in Blue”.
The final act was unique. All the way from Paraguay, the Cateura Orchestra of Recycled Instruments demonstrated the true power of music. They were featured on a segment of “60 Minutes”. When their town became a trash dump, the citizens went to work and created musical instruments from garbage. In existence for more than 10 years, their motto is “The world sends us garbage. We send back music”. In addition to such favorites as “The Girl from Ipanema,” they performed a song about a train trip featuring a harp made out of wood, an oil can, swing wire and sockets, accompanied by the entire ensemble playing on their recycled string, wind and brass instruments. It was a joy to behold!
Lou Marett, WMS President, noted, “Favio Chavez, the Cateura Orchestra founder, director and conductor, wants the world to focus not on the poverty of Cateura but on the redemption, love, and hope music provides”.
Diane Marett, WMS Co-Vice President of Events, summed it up well. “How wonderful it was to see the large turnout which filled the room to capacity at our event! An audience of all ages came out to enjoy the music. We hope to bring many more events like this to our community.”
