As part of the XXXIV International Festival of Classical Music 'Sounds for Reconciliation and Peace', held in Santander de Quilichao and other municipalities of Cauca, on Sunday, March 24th, the Los Guásimos Sports Complex was the venue for an extraordinary performance that marked the beginning of Holy Week. The talented musicians from the University of Cauca, under the direction of maestro Carlos René Ordoñez Mora, delivered a memorable performance that captured the essence of the festival, bringing the community together through music.

The concert began with an unforgettable staging, thanks to the fusion between the Symphony Orchestra of our Alma Mater and the group Cerro Negro, interpreters of traditional indigenous ancestral music. They were accompanied by the Cxayuce Dance Group, offering the audience an exciting opening act. Following this, the Bocana Group took over to maintain the lively atmosphere and uphold the standard of the show—a collaborative musical endeavor dedicated to researching and promoting Pacific music traditions.

On this occasion, the Artistic Group Nuestra Tierra and the Group A Danzar Colombia also intervened, blending with our University Symphony Orchestra. They animated and interacted with the audience, even mounting a choreography that prompted attendees to rise from their seats and wave their scarves to the rhythm of the marimba, masterfully played by Professor Salomé Gómez Burbano.

For 34 consecutive years, motivated by the initiative of the Kiwanis Club Tierra de Oro, led by Mrs. Emith Montilla, the University of Cauca has contributed to promoting peace-building through art across the Cauca department. This effort has been particularly focused on regions deeply affected by armed conflict. Considering our current context, these kinds of initiatives indeed become a soothing balm of hope.

Indeed, the University has understood that this cultural project is very important, not only for Santander de Quilichao but also for all the other municipalities in the department where the festival has made an impact. So, this year we have decided to continue supporting it, both logistically and with the assistance of the Vice-Rectorate of Culture and Well-being, but fundamentally by making available the human talent of the Faculty of Arts through its Department of Music, both in direction and performance," stated Mr. Rector Deibar René Hurtado Herrera. He highlighted the talent of the Unicauca community who, on March 24th, not only upheld the reputation of their Alma Mater but also demonstrated the transformative power of music a realm of art through which the University of Cauca seeks to continue impacting the lives of the youth in Cauca.As the rector consistently emphasizes, "We aim to steer young people away from war and towards public education," a mission made possible through initiatives like the XXXIV International Festival of Classical Music 'Sounds for Reconciliation and Peace' and other institutional efforts.

On her part, the director of this Festival, Mrs. Emith Montilla, expressed, "We hope to contribute to what we yearn for so much, which is reconciliation for peace, because the truth is that we need it now in the department of Cauca." She added that one of the most rewarding aspects of conducting the festival for over three decades is, "Besides providing spiritual solace to people who have suffered through years of violence, another gratifying aspect is the audience development. Most people in the municipalities where we have been understand that 'classical' music is not just what we colloquially call 'universal classical music,' but also the music of our ancestors, and blending these has been a wonderful thing. In addition to the municipalities we have visited, great artists have emerged, like Asael Cuesta and his brother Jeffrey Cuesta, who were very young when they attended the concerts and are now successful worldwide. And there are many more examples like them."

Therefore, from the University of Cauca, we extend the warmest invitation to enjoy all the concerts that will be presented during these days as part of the XXXIV International Festival of Classical Music 'Sounds for Reconciliation and Peace'. These concerts are free to attend and aim to promote a culture of peace through music.

Thus, with active participation in this magnificent concert, we formally begin the first stage of our #RutaSemanaSantera 2024, a journey through various corners of our department to connect with or explore other cultural expressions that take place around Holy Week.

To help you plan, below is the full schedule, and we emphasize that from this university, which belongs to everyone, we are always committed to promoting cultural spaces that also support our mission of transforming lives and making dreams come true.

Related note:

XXXIV International Festival of Classical Music in Santander de Quilichao and other municipalities of the Cauca department. Sounds for Reconciliation and Peace