Fiddlers on the Reef plays for Belizean children
There was more than one star on the tarmac of the PGIA today but this time, they brought strings instead of scholarships. If you’ve got an ear for classical music, chances are you’ve heard of the Pacific Strings or Fiddlers on the Reef as they are sometimes called. The “Strings” are back in Belize and as Jason Guerrero of the House of Culture tells us, there are more of them than ever.
Jason Guerrero, Music Director, House of Culture
“As they come back the group gets larger, this year the contingent is 9 musicians. It started out with 2 musicians and it just kept growing and its 9 now, but they keep coming back because of the response. They’ll see anywhere from 3 or 4,000 students and even that number grows. For instance, by next year we would hope that they would start going up north they’ve never done any concerts, any touring up north and we’ll just keep progressively growing.”
The focus of the music group’s visit has always been to introduce classical music to the children of Belize and every year, one school the group makes sure they visit is Stella Maris. Last year News Five’s Arreini Palacio was one of the active listeners in the audience.”
Arreini Palacio, Reporting
The five professional musicians who play for the Pacific Symphony Orchestra of Southern California, are bringing free classical music concerts to the children of Belize. According to Jason Guerrero, House of Culture’s Musical Director, they always find time to play for the students of Stella Maris.
Jason Guerrero
“They may miss other schools and other performances in other areas but they never miss Stella Maris School. They feel that it is very important to have the stimulus for those with impairment. There has been a correlation between classical music and the benefits this music brings in stimulating the brain function of children and I think that is the reason behind why they have never missed a Stella Maris Concert.”
To Alex Horvath, who has been visiting Belize with the chamber since their first performance in 1992, Stella Maris is one of the highlights of their trip.
Alex Horvath, Violinist
“From the beginning when two of us came we played Stella Maris and ever since then the most important school to play is Stella Maris and we will play always.”
And the children always love to listen.
Charles Perez, Standard 6 Student
“It’s beautiful and it impress people because anytime you listen to music it makes you feel good and stuff.”
Arreini Palacio
“Which one of the instruments you like the best?”
Charles Perez
“The French horns?it sounds good, it makes your heart pound.”
Alex Horvath
“We do not play down to the children. We do not play Popeye the Sailorman or Mickey Mouse or anything. We play Bach, we play Beethoven, and we also play a rag or two to break things up. We do
not play down for the children as a matter of fact we play up to them.”
The playing up and the break from studies were definitely appreciated by the children this afternoon.
Arreini Palacio for News Five.
This year the group’s annual benefit concert will be held Sunday at 7:00 p.m. at the St. John’s Anglican Cathedral, to support the restoration of the church. In addition to the imported talent, Belizeans George Gabb will recite poems while Ian Lizzaraga will play classical recorder accompanied by Jason Guerrero on classical guitar. Tickets are available at the House of Culture, the St. John’s Anglican Cathedral Headquarters and C.Y.’s music. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children.
