September 13, 2011. (Romereports.com) It was in St. Peter's square where the Colombian Youth Symphony Orchestra called “Batuta” held a concert. It performed for an audience of thousands of people, including Benedict XVI.


Benedict XVI
“I send my greetings to the Spanish speaking pilgrims, especially including the Batuta Youth Symphony Orchestra of Bogota.”

The pope was welcomed with the song “Colombia, beloved land,” the song was also greeted with enthusiasm by the big crowds. The pope then listened to the unique rhythms  of cumbias, pasillos and bambucos, typical Colombian music that's not too often heard at the Vatican.

Juan Felipe Mulano
Director, Batuta Orchestra (Colombia)
“These young people have had opportunities that others desire, so for them every note is that much more important.”

The young musicians are from different parts of Colombia. After playing in Germany and Italy, the group ended its European tour by performing for the pope, and by doing so becoming the youngest orchestra to perform for Benedict XVI.

Juan Manuel Garay
Batuta Orchestra (Colombia)
“For today's concert we arrived with a lot of excitement because it was a something we've been anticipating and we've been preparing for, so finally we were all very anxious to arrive. The pope, everything was very formal and beautiful, it was a great day.”

Luz Ángela Moreno Acero
Batuta Orchestra (Colombia)
“I feel very proud. I also feel a great responsibility for what we're doing. It can open doors to others, and I think we are representing the Latin American community very well.”

Of the 95 musicians, 65 are from the Batuta Orchestra. The rest come from the Symphony Orchestra “FA Bonporti” from Trento, Italy. It was a collaborative concert between the two as a gift for the pope.

The Batuta Symphony Orchestra has also received a lot of praise from music critics during its European tour.

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