MUSICALL

Jul 30, 2023

– Cuban conductor Taimy Balbuzano, co-founder and artistic director of the Miami-based Musicall organization, has led the Musicall Youth Orchestra to first prize in the Summa Cum Laude international competition at the Vienna Youth Music Festival, Austria. The Musicall organization, which has been in existence for a decade, is a non-profit entity that has opted for comprehensive music education. With teachers teaching over 300 students, it ranges from two-year-olds to 23-year-olds. In an interview with Diario de Cuba, Balbuzano recalls that the cultural scene in Miami 20 years ago, when he arrived in the city from Cuba, was “desolate.” However, music was always a beacon on his path. “My husband tells me that he created this organization for me, so that I could pursue my passion for music,” Balbuzano shared. In addition, he explained that music is a powerful tool to solve social problems, since it “creates an environment of unity, respect, you learn to listen, to understand.” On their way to victory in Vienna, the 21 students who traveled to compete spent a year preparing. “The United States does not have the concept of musical education that Europe has, nor the one we received in Cuba,” lamented the director, emphasizing the difficulties they faced in balancing the demands of the competition and the school responsibilities of young people. Balbuzano also highlighted the importance of musical education from childhood, something that according to her is non-existent in the United States. “I’ve tried to convey that concept of giving everything for music,” she said. However, the director regretted the lack of support from the local community, despite the great international recognition. “It is disappointing for us that we have not had a receptive city and that at this point it is not known that an orchestra from Miami has won the first world prize in Vienna.” Regarding the Musicall classes, Balbuzano explained that they are offered to the little ones. In addition, the organization imparts lessons on stringed, wind, and percussion instruments to older children. Auditions for different levels of orchestra and private classes are also offered. #Taimy #Balbuzano #Cuban #batuta #conquers #world #youth #music 1690743210