On his last visit to Venezuela, Penderecki felt once again very impressed by El Sistema’s musicians and offered maestro Abreu a present by way of conducting the SBYOV in the performance of a work of his own at the Center for Social Action through Music, last November 21.

O Gloriosa Vergine is the title of the work composed by the Polish conductor as a present for maestro Abreu on his 70 birthday. Penderecki holds deep affection for maestro Abreu and has great admiration for him as the founder of the National System of Youth and Children’s Orchestras of Venezuela.  The work was finished just a week before it was first performed last Saturday. The National Youth Chorus of Venezuela led by María Guinand performed it with remarkable aplomb despite its difficulty deriving from the fact it is sung in Latin and a capella.

Maestro Abreu presented Penderecki with a decoration on behalf of the Venezuelan musicians. Presently the Polish composer conducted the SBYOV in the performance of Concerto for viola and orchestra, version for violoncello with Arto Noras as soloist, followed by Hymne an den heiligen Adalbert for choir, winds and percussion, and Symphony N° 2 for Orchestra (Christmas), all composed by him.

Earlier that day, Penderecki visited the Center for Social Action through Music and attended a rehearsal by Teresa Carreño Youth Orchestra, and even had the chance to chat with the press. The following press articles on his impressions while in Caracas were published by the local press.

Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela 21-11-2009
Center for Social Action Through Music. Caracas. Photos: Cnamic - Fesnojiv
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