Ho, ho, ho! Costa Rica is tuning up for a holiday season filled with melody and cheer as the National Symphony Orchestra (OSNCR) and the National Symphonic Choir gear up for their annual Christmas Concerts. Starting this December 8, communities across four provinces will be treated to the musical talents of 140 artists, all for the grand price of absolutely free!
The schedule for the concerts is as follows:
- Friday, December 08, 7:30 p.m., San Isidro de Coronado Church.
- Sunday, December 10, 11:30 a.m., San Rafael Arcángel Parish, Atenas.
- Tuesday, December 12, 7:30 p.m., Centro de Convenciones de lo Alto, San José de la Montaña, Barva.
- Wednesday, December 13, 7:30 p.m., Alajuela Cathedral.
- Thursday, December 14, 7:30 p.m., San Diego de Tres Ríos Catholic Church, La Unión.
- Friday, December 15, 7:30 p.m., San Miguel Arcángel Parish, Escazú.
The Festive Tour Itinerary:
Imagine a sleigh ride across Costa Rica, but instead of reindeer, you have musicians, and instead of Santa, there’s Ramiro A. Ramírez, the maestro conductor leading the festive charge. The concert series kicks off in San Isidro de Coronado, whisking audiences through a whirlwind of six performances across stunning public spaces.
The Musical Feast:
This isn’t just any Christmas playlist. The program is a gourmet spread of compositions from the likes of Tchaikovsky and Mozart, sprinkled with the local flavors of Costa Rican composer Carlos Guzmán. Adding to the festive feast, the national soprano María Jesús Castro will step into the spotlight as the cherry on this musical cake.
A Conducting Maestro’s Vision:
Ramiro A. Ramírez, the baton-wielding wizard, shares his vision of these concerts as more than just performances. They’re a celebration of a year filled with musical highs and a way to bring the community closer to the magic of the orchestra and choir. Think of it as Costa Rica’s version of Santa’s workshop, but with more symphonies and less elves.
The Choir’s Golden Anniversary Prelude:
The Symphonic Choir isn’t just singing carols; they’re warming up for their golden jubilee in 2024. Taking a trip down memory lane, they’ll perform pieces from their debut in 1974, including Schubert’s ‘Mass in G.’ It’s like a musical time machine, but with more harmonies and less flux capacitors.
Star of the Show – Soprano María Jesús Castro:
Adding a sprinkle of stardust to the events, soprano María Jesús Castro will perform a movement from Mozart’s ‘Great Mass in C minor,’ bringing to life the story of the incarnation of Christ. It’s like attending the best storytime ever, but with more arias and less bedtime.
The Rehearsal Prelude:
Behind every great performance, there’s a rehearsal. From December 5 to 8, the Centro Nacional de la Música in Moravia transforms into Santa’s musical workshop, where the festive magic is fine-tuned. This series of concerts is the grand finale to the OSNCR’s bustling year of 79 performances.
The Invitation:
Christmas concerts are more than just performances; they’re a communal hug in the form of music, reflecting on the year gone by and celebrating the one to come. Ricardo Chaves Cordero, from the National Music Center, extends an open invitation not just for these concerts but also for the upcoming 2024 events, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the National Symphonic Choir with a bang!
This holiday season, Costa Rica isn’t just decking the halls; it’s tuning its instruments for a symphony of Christmas cheer. With free entry and a lineup that reads like a who’s who of musical mastery, these concerts are the perfect way to dive into the festive spirit. So, grab your family, friends, and that random neighbor who loves classical music, and immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s most melodious Christmas celebration!
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