By Tara Lestarjette
Sam Houston State University School of Music’s Festival of Strings takes place Nov. 13-17. One of the special guests of the festival is Maestro Fredy Céspedes, concertmaster of the Bolivian National Symphony Orchestra.
Céspedes studied at the National Conservatory of Music in La Paz, Bolivia; the National Conservatory of Music in Buenos Aires Argentina; the Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Siena, Italy; and the Munich Opera in Germany.
The maestro’s accomplishments are many as he has received several honors and awards, as well as traveling globally with orchestras. He was chosen to represent Bolivia in the United States and in Brazil as a member of the World Philharmonic Orchestra. He has played under Arthur Fiedler, Lorin Maazel, and Alvaro Manzano.
Of late, Céspedes has spent his time making an impact in the city of El Alto, Bolivia. In June 2001, he created the El Alto Youth Symphony Orchestra for the under privileged children of the city. Though odds were against him, the orchestra grew and developed into what is today a nationally known effort, supported by the United States and other countries.
Throughout the week, Céspedes has lectured in Spanish courses, and conducted the university symphony orchestra.
“We are so excited to have him,” said Javier Pinell, SHSU professor of Music. “He is an inspiration to many musicians. Our students are learning a lot from him.”
Among the many activities Céspedes will take part in, he will also meet with School of Music Director, Dr. Michael Bankhead and Provost, Dr. David Payne to discuss a potential exchange program between SHSU and the Youth Orchestra Program in Bolivia.
“Ideally, I would like to see several faculty along with a few students traveling to El Alto at least once a semester and stay for 10 days,” said Pinell.“It would be an incredible opportunity for our students. Not only would they learn more as musicians, they would learn how to communicate with others.”
A team of two faculty and two students hope to visit Bolivia on Feb. 18-28.
“We choose students based on their abilities as a musician and whether or not they are bilingual,” said Pinell. “I think every young student should have The opportunity to visit a third world country. This way, one learns to appreciate the commodities and the education in the United States.”
The week will conclude with Friday’s concert at University Heights Baptist Church at 7:30 p.m. Céspedes will join with Conductor Dr. David Cole in leading the SHSU Symphony Orchestra in Revueltas’s “Sensemayá,” Schuman’s “New England Triptych” and Dvofiák’s “Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104”. The evening will also include an appearance of Daniel Saenz, professor of cello at SHSU.
Tickets for admission may be purchased upon entry. Prices include $10 for adults, $5 for SHSU students, faculty, staff and seniors or free with school ID.
For more information, contact DCC019@SHSU.EDU
