Strings, Percussion, Woodwinds and Brass

I appreciate that I am in the Cultural Capital of Guatemala.  For being the second largest city, it still has a small town atmosphere (despite the pollution)...the people are generally easy to talk to, and are proud of their city, and events are well attended!

A Mexican Orchestra is in town for a couple of days, and is putting on free concerts for the public.  Yesterday, they were playing in Parque Central.  I was wondering if all of the instruments would go out of tune, but while it is cool at night here, it is NOT -30!  It was a lot of fun (except when the town boo-ed the mayor...oops). 

Tonight, they were playing in the Teatro Municipal, which I wanted to go in, just for the sake of going in, anyway!  The concert started at 7:00 (normal time...vs. "Guatemala time") and I got to the Teatro around 6:55 (which was a stretch for me, since supper is normally at seven...).  The one way street leading up to the theatre was lined with cars...and people walking...I was so surprised when I saw the line that extended past the steps of the theatre...I was more surprised when I followed the line down the sidewalk, past the theatre and around the corner...but finally I got there... the people directly behind me were having a heated discussion about "the rudeness of budding" as someone let their relatives join them...one man kept repeating that "that is why Guatemala is the way it is...".  I am assuming that he is talking about respect and honesty vs. the line-up to see the concert.  Finding a seat was kind of a challenge as well, and I ended up standing (and eventually sitting) next to the family of the man who had the problem with "budding" (they were actually very nice...and the difficulties in finding a seat presented opportunities for conversation in spanish :)

The music was SO beautiful!  And if the triangle player would have messed up...everyone would have noticed. 

The crowd joined in singing with the Luna de Xelaju...so beautiful... such pride...it really was great.  And to make  things better, the stars are out, and the moon is again brilliant!

Feliz Noche!