SISTER CITIES
A fantastic gift from Highland Park to Puerto Vallarta - A brief review
By The Editor - Photos by Carol Wolfe - March 2006 - Leer en Espaņol
All the members of the committee of Sister Cities in Puerto Vallarta knew what it would represent for our city to receive the visit of the delegation of our Sister City of Highland Park. Nevertheless none of us imagined the gift that we would receive, or the the great magnitude of its extraordinary consequences.
As part of the cultural and artistic exchange activities, the String Orchestra of Highland Park gave us three magnificent concerts during the first phase of this visit. Besides delighting us with a sublime interpretation, we experienced very special  and touching moments that contributed to turning the event into a spectacular experiencee.
The first concert was performed at the Hotel Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center, where thanks to the demand of the public an additional hall had to be opened to accommodate the audience. The interpretation was magnificent and at the end all those present expressed a great satisfaction and pleasure of having attended.
The second concert was interpreted in the open air  theater of Los Arcos along the area of the boardwalk of our city. Hundreds of people gathered in the area. Our mayor Mr. Gustavo González Villaseñor was also present. He was deeply moved and at the end he personally thanked each one of the members of the String Orchestra for their marvelous interpretation and gift. It is important to mention that in this occasion, in spite of some inconveniences that presented, all of the members of the orchestra demonstrated their high level of commitment and professionalism. They all showed up and delighted us with their brilliant interpretation.
The third and last concert was given at the Brotherhood Square [Plaza de la Hermandad], a truly cozy space which allowed us, due to its characteristics and location, to perceive an environment of true brotherhood between the orchestra and each one of those present. A group of junior high school students stood out. Even though it took them a little time to calm down after their arrival, they were the ones who applauded most of all the exquisite interpretation of the orchestra. Many thanks to the Village Premier Hotel & Spa for their contribution towards the arrangement and decoration of the Brotherhood Square.
 As I mentioned before, there were emotional and special moments during the three concerts. Nevertheless something that essentially has to be emphasized is the passionate interpretation of the violin by David Donan. He definitely captured the attention of the audience every moment. While the music that left his violin was flowing through the air, arriving at our ears as a caress, the melody impregnated our being through the skin, creating a sensation of harmony and fullness that manifested itself and became visible through the relaxation of our faces. The connection between the violinist and the audience was complete. And while this was happing, it was possible to observe how Francesco Milioto at the head of the orchestra was using his whole body to direct the orchestra, emulating an expert captain of a ship who uses firm and steady indications in order to make the ship sail with accuracy and delicacy through the powerful sea.
Another outstanding moment which was experienced in all three concerts was when the beautiful melody dedicated to our city [Con Amor para Puerto Vallarta] was interpreted as part of the program. Listening attentively it is possible to experience with absolute clarity how its authorDr. Vicenzo Alfonso Oddo perceives our town in his mind, body, soul and heart. Thank you so much for loving our Puerto Vallarta in this way.
Neither can I miss the opportunity to mention the cello interventions of Lawrence Block, who definitely transmitted his love for interpreting the music as well as his unflagging passion for living. Once more Lawrence was an example of enthusiasm, discipline and devotion.
During the second phase the junior high school students of Highland Park surprised us very pleasantly with two concerts interpreted by the Jazz Music Band, including presentations of the Contemporary Dance Group.
The first presentation was at the open air theater of Los Arcos on the boardwalk. While the public fully enjoyed the performance, the young folks of the junior high school were delighted of being in a place where they could observe the immensity of a beautiful starry sky at the same time while interpreting their music. The connection of the young people with the place and the people was immediate and complete.
The second presentation was in the convention hall of the Hotel Sheraton Buganvilias, and again each one of the participating young members of the dance group as well as the members of the music band, demonstrated their sensibility and their great love for what they are doing. During both presentations an intoxicating joy filled the air touching everybody.
The dance group was directed by the teacher Dia Fornasiero, while the music band was directed by the teacher Dr. James Hile. At the end of their presentation, Mary Jo Papich the Fine Arts Chair, acknowledged them as being those teachers that are always devoted to their work with more dedication and passion that anybody else.
The review would not be complete without the recognition of Mary Jo Papich who not only did an exemplary job in organizing and coordinating the visit while insert us with her enthusiasm, but as usual also shared her constant and very pleasant smile with us.
 There are many gifts that we received during this visit of our brothers and sisters of Highland Park. Nevertheless the most significant ones will be the ones that we will see reflected in some of the children or young locals of Vallarta. Influenced by the young folks of our sister city, they will be the ones in the future that will make sure in giving back to a new generation of children or young people in Highland Park, a little bit of the many gifts that we have received during this occasion.
Many thanks to all our brothers and sisters of Highland Park. Unmistakably the sisterhood between our cities honors the fundamental purpose for creating the World Foundation of Sister Cities fifty years ago with acts and facts.
Thanks to Carol Wolfe and to Ana María T. Flores, respective presidents of the Committees of Sister Cities between Puerto Vallarta and Highland Park. Both of them are firm pillars of the consolidation of our sisterhood.
The Editor
E-mial: editor@pvmirror.com |
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