On Friday, May 21st, at 8:00 p.m., The American Wind Symphony Orchestra Stage will rise on the Point Counter Point II and music will fill the air over the Laguna Madre. The musical program includes two very unique works of music and narration.
"Cuahtemoc" by Leonardo Velasquez of Mexico tells the story of this heroic Aztec Indian in words and music. The Spanish narration will be performed by Mr. Gustavo Morales, Sr. Mr. Morales Sr. is the promoter and media rep. for the Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle in San Juan Texas, as well as director for special events and pilgrimages for the same. Mr. Gustavo Morales is also the proud father of Gustavo Morales Jr., one of the survivors of the Queen Isabella Memorial Bridge South Padre Island.
On the lighter side, “The Pickle Suite which includes four poems by distinguished U.S. poets and music by Robert Russell Bennett (USA), Shulamit Ran (Israel), Jacques Casterede ( France). Three narrators will share the stage with the orchestra for this humorous suite that sings the praises of the pickle: local residents Michael Jones, Business Development Manager at theBrownsville South Padre Island International Airport; David Hughston, who has delighted local audiences in El Paseo’s productions of Sylvia and Blithe Spirit, and JoAnn Evans, Vice Chairman of El Paseo Arts Foundation.
In addition to these two special selections, the program includes: "Fireworks" by Toshiro Mayuzumi of Japan with special percussion effects provided by huge Japanese temple blocks, temple bells and kilns;
"Armageddon" by Dutch composer Henk Badings; the World Premiere of "Concerto for Solo Harp and Wind Orchestra" by Cuban-American Carlos Rivera; and "Concerto for Three Marimbas" by Efrain Amaya of Venezuela with three spectacular marimba soloists. Mr Amaya will also serve as special guest conductor for the performance of his concerto.
Of course, Conductor Robert Boudreau always adds a few surprises to delight the audience such as “When the Saints Go Marching In” which had 2007’s audience up on their feet clapping and singing.
Don’t miss this magical night of music under the stars at the South Point Marina in Port Isabel. Tickets for the event are only $5 per person and children 12 and under are free. Free shuttle transportation will be provided from the old Walwart and Las Palmas Mall parking lot in Port Isabel. Shuttle transportation begins at 6:15 p.m. and gates open at the marina at 6:30 p.m. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy an evening of music that you will long remember. |