The Guayaquil Symphony Orchestra pays tribute to the late maestro Álvaro Manzano

For his industriousness, wisdom and perfectionism, and for other qualities that made the late Ambateño teacher Alvaro Manzano in one of the greatest figures of national composition and orchestra conducting, comes a well-deserved tribute from the Guayaquil Symphony Orchestra to his legacy this Friday, February 25. It will take place in the Metropolitan Cathedral (Chimborazo, between 10 de Agosto and Clemente Ballén), at 6:00 p.m.

Alvaro was the greatest conductor in the history of the countryhis career deserves enormous respect, he was one of the most cultured characters in classical music”, highlights the Uruguayan maestro Dante Anzolini, who directs this tribute.

The concert will highlight two significant works for Manzano. Rumiñahui, his best-known composition, is a kind of symphonic poem created in 1991 to the renowned indigenous general and defender of the territories that today constitute the Republic of Ecuador. and it’s Scheherazade, suite room Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s symphony and “a work that he loved, because he studied in Russia,” explains Anzolini.

Few know the link between the Uruguayan teacher and who was the director of the National Symphony Orchestra of Ecuador for 25 years. “I knew him little, we barely shared five years”, remembers the teacher Dante. “He was the head of the jury that chose me as conductor of the orchestra and then we continue to communicate over the years. He was one of the reasons why I came to compete in Ecuador, because I knew that the best Ecuadorian director was the head of the jury”.

For this reason, Anzolini anticipates that in the concert he will present a surprise at the beginning. A special introductory piece will be played dedicated to the teacher who died a few days ago, on February 19. It includes a few words from Dante, who says that this piece is inspired by the circumstances in which he was born and died: “For me it is very important as a foreigner to expose that treasure that was his life”.

“I think his qualities are immense, what he did to study leaving where he came from and the years he spent, to later come to his country and offer all his wisdom to elevate the national symphony. For me he is a person who must be remembered.” For his delivery, self-criticism and perfectionism of him.

What’s more, the cathedral was chosen for this presentation because of the role it plays for Guayaquil. “I think that in the context of homage there is no better place than the cathedral. The cathedral brings together the community, it is in the center of the city and has easy access”, Anzolini illustrates. Although he acknowledges that the site presents him with acoustic challenges, due to the reverberations, he assures that these setbacks have already been readjusted, since it will not be the first time that the OSG has played at this site.

Anzolini also remembers the times he established communications with the late director when he settled in Quito: “He was always very kind to me and very respectful, like a typical Ecuadorian; many times we talk on the phone for his advice ”, he evokes. “I asked him about Rumiñahui, if he allowed me to do it; he told me: ‘Please, it would be an honor for me’”.

Manzano also conducted symphony and opera orchestras in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, United States, Estonia, Guatemala, Honduras, Iceland, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Dominican Republic, Russia. and Venezuela, leaving an incalculable musical legacy in the country. FHe died at the age of 66 due to complications derived from various diseases that he had been suffering from.

The Guayaquil Symphony Orchestra remember to attend the concert on Friday in advance, carrying the vaccination certificate, and in turn asks to respect the biosafety standardssuch as the use of a mask and hand disinfection.