The Youth Symphony Orchestra from Valladolid, Spain, is made of some 80 young people between 14 and 35. After two years of trying, they were finally made it to Rome to perform an oratorio they wrote at the height of the pandemic.
Although the work had a limited premiere in their town's cathedral in 2020, this year they were able to play a concert in San Lorenzo in Damaso in Rome with the basilica's choir.
ERNESTO MONSALVE
Director, Valladolid Youth Symphony Orchestra
To be able to play these songs in a restricted way and at another time, and now to be able to do it in all its splendor is like the alpha and omega of this musical presentation as well as the global circumstances which we have all lived through these last two and a half years.
The oratorio's composer says that having written the piece in a pandemic makes it extraordinary, and recalls other works of art that were created during times of war of epidemic.
Spain's Ambassador to the Holy See, Isabel Celaá, received the orchestra at the embassy and personally went to see them perform.
Their piece even caught Pope Francis' attention, who received them after his General Audience and told them this message.
ERNESTO MONSALVE
Director, Valladolid Youth Symphony Orchestra
He told us that music is very important today, that who prays and sings prays twice, that famous adage of St. Augustine. He wished us much success and asked that we send him a recording of the concert.
In its many performances, this oratory has brought together more than 240 musicians, although in Rome only 70 performed. One of them was Alba Rodríguez. She began playing the flute at eight years old, but soon that wasn't enough.
ALBA RODRÍGUEZ
Member, Valladolid Youth Symphony Orchestra
It's something us musicians can't explain. When you've studied it for ten years you can no longer lack music in your life. You join an orchestra, a band, you need to keep going. And apart from playing in the orchestra I began studying cello because I needed to keep learning and having music in my life.
Alba says meeting the Pope increased her desire to pursue her love for music, even though she says she one day hopes to become a journalist.
ALBA RODRÍGUEZ
Member, Valladolid Youth Symphony Orchestra
The Pope always speaks to the youth and encourages us to keep believing and keep pushing forward our spirit. And he told us that, as the young people we are, to do that through music.
In 2023, the Valladolid Youth Symphony Orchestra turns 20 years old. Since 2007, they have performed in France, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. After coming to Rome and meeting the Pope, they say they're only more inspired to keep spreading their music worldwide.
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TR: JM
