Colibrí Conciertos puts on house concerts throughout Cuenca. It's an interesting idea, bringing together quality local musicians with an audience in small settings, usually a home or a small hotel. Attendance is by invitation only, and upcoming concerts are announced and attendance confirmed through e-mail. There is no set fee. Attendees are asked to donate to the musicians, contribute something for each beverage they pour and bring some finger-foods to share after the concert. Luckily for us, Evelyn is made aware of a concert on Saturday, November 12 and has confirmed seats for four.
We meet Burt and Evelyn at Parque Calderon and the four of us pile into a taxi for the 15 minute ride. We're greeted at the door by our hosts, Greg and Charlean. The large condo they rent has been rearranged to accommodate a performance area and approximately 35 seats for attendees. We mingle prior to the start of the concert talking with people originally from Omaha, San Antonio, Portland and other cities. I am impressed with the woman who moved to Cuenca with her husband and four children (ages 2 to 9) to give the children a multi-cultural experience and opportunity to immerse in the Spanish language. I attempt buena noches and a smile with the clusters of people speaking Spanish.
We meet Burt and Evelyn at Parque Calderon and the four of us pile into a taxi for the 15 minute ride. We're greeted at the door by our hosts, Greg and Charlean. The large condo they rent has been rearranged to accommodate a performance area and approximately 35 seats for attendees. We mingle prior to the start of the concert talking with people originally from Omaha, San Antonio, Portland and other cities. I am impressed with the woman who moved to Cuenca with her husband and four children (ages 2 to 9) to give the children a multi-cultural experience and opportunity to immerse in the Spanish language. I attempt buena noches and a smile with the clusters of people speaking Spanish.
Click to Listen! The concert begins with Adrian Ortiz playing songs on the charango, a small stringed instrument of the lute family. His hands fly over the strings. Daniel Brito joins him playing the piano. Estefania Ortiz sings a few songs accompanied by her father on guitar and Daniel on piano. In all, there are 17 delightful songs.
After the concert I have a chance to speak with Daniel. He was awarded a full scholarship to the University of Denver, where he received a bachelor's degree in classical piano and a master's in music composition. I comment to him that I sat near his wife during the concert and she is clearly proud of him - I could see it in her face as he played. He responded that he's very proud of her - she's a surgeon. William and Greg get into a discussion on the beers available in Cuenca and the growing craft beer scene. I also talk with Mara, the founder of Colibrí Concertos. It turns out that we both went to Northwestern University for our master's degrees (although different programs). It is a small world.
The evening turns out to be one of the highlights of our trip to Cuenca!
After the concert I have a chance to speak with Daniel. He was awarded a full scholarship to the University of Denver, where he received a bachelor's degree in classical piano and a master's in music composition. I comment to him that I sat near his wife during the concert and she is clearly proud of him - I could see it in her face as he played. He responded that he's very proud of her - she's a surgeon. William and Greg get into a discussion on the beers available in Cuenca and the growing craft beer scene. I also talk with Mara, the founder of Colibrí Concertos. It turns out that we both went to Northwestern University for our master's degrees (although different programs). It is a small world.
The evening turns out to be one of the highlights of our trip to Cuenca!
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