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An
introduction to classical music
for the Fazenda Tamanduá community |
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Recently, accompanying the singer and composer Chico César in his
home town of Catolé do Rocha, State of Paraíba, we were able to
meet Sister Iraci, the soul behind an incredible social effort
that is being carried out in the high sertão of that state:
free classical music classes for almost 100 young people, forming
an orchestra of a very high level.
Boys and girls learn how to play the violin, viola, cello,
trombone, tuba, flute, percussion instruments and guitar, in
addition to having art classes in the Casa do Beradero
Cultural Institute, financially supported by Chico César himself,
who studied music with Sister Iraci.
We soon decided to invite this orchestra to visit Fazenda Tamanduá,
in order to make a presentation. |
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About 20 musicians belonging to the orchestra arrived by bus.
After a visit to the farm, for them to see a different kind of
agriculture, and a substantial rubacão (a meal of rice and
beans), the party started. Approximately 60 members of the farm
community, young and old, took advantage of this unique occasion –
an encounter with a different kind of music, played on instruments
that were unknown to many.
With the audience keeping very quiet, Sister Iraci – who was used
to speaking to audiences of all kinds – introduced, very simply,
the various instruments and their families: strings, wind and
percussion, each with a musical example, even giving the children
from the farm the opportunity to play and see the instruments
close up. |
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Sister
Araci conducting the children |
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And
the concert started. Music by Haydn, Mozart, Bach and Mussorgsky,
alternating with classics of the North-eastern region, including Luiz
Gonzaga – it was all a great success. Challenging the audience, which
was almost speechless and could hardly sing along with famous songs
like “Asa Branca” or “Paraíba, mulher macho, sim senhor!”,
Sister Iraci took the opportunity to make a short presentation of each
of the classical composers.
A
magical afternoon, from which all those who listened went home with a
different idea of what music is.The immense and impressive dedication
of Sister Iraci, a teacher, conductor and collaborator to her young
students and artistes, left everyone happy and grateful.
Before they left, the musicians could not resist a well-deserved bathe
in the reservoir, leaving aside the posture and seriousness of erudite
music in order to play like all young country people, with shouts of
happiness.
Our
congratulations, thanks and best wishes for a long life to the
Beradero Institute! |
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