Ecuadorian Opera Project Tours Europe While Colombian Youth Join Ibero-American Orchestra

Two cultural stories from South America highlight a revival of classical music and opportunities for young musicians. First, the 'Salgado lírico' project has brought the works of Ecuadorian composer Luis H. Salgado to Europe. The project presented excerpts from four of Salgado's operas in Vienna, Rome, and Barcelona on January 19, 21, and 23. This effort revives interest in Salgado's music, which blends indigenous and European influences. Second, in Colombia, three young musicians from Medellín will represent the country in the Ibero-American Youth Orchestra (OJI) in 2026. The selected musicians are Ana Sofía Bonilla, María Lucía Cardona González, and Juan Esteban Salcedo Bernal. The OJI brings together talented youth from Latin America, Spain, and Portugal to perform together. These developments show the vitality of classical music in the region and the opportunities for young artists to share their talents internationally.