(ANS - Madrid) - The Salesian Youth Movement's grand festivities yesterday evening, August 17, at Atocha, gave prominent place to a youth orchestra combined with an international choir. This is a story about young people who have broadened their horizons through music and Salesian involvement.

The 56 members of the orchestra that livened up the SYM Festival come from the small town of Poiares in Portugal.  These boys and girls came into contact with music at the Salesian school in the city through a program started in 2005. At the time the program arose mainly to give youngsters healthy ways to fill in their afternoons, but over time they became deeply passionate about their music.

“Orchestra practice happens every Friday evening, from 9 till midnight at times, and on Saturday mornings”, says Fr Juan Freitas, the Rector. Yet the kids don't mind. “Through music”, Fr Frejas continues “they change, learn to accept effort with pleasure and see, little by little, the need to learn”.

Led and coordinated by 5 young leaders, these youngsters have become a very popular band locally, and are well known nationally in Salesian settings. Last year they were given the task of performing at the Salesian Youth Movement Rally in Portugal. At the time Fr Rosendo Soler, Youth Ministry Delegate for Spain, happened to be there as well and was suitably impressed. He wanted them to play at the Salesian WYD celebrations for the SYM.

The youth orchestra will stay in Madrid until Saturday 20th  and then, since they need to perform in Portugal on Sunday 21st, will need to depart without being able to attend the final WYD mass. But the experience has already left its mark: “The youngsters have felt challenged by this event, and have seen how they are just like other young people around the world. Some already say they want to be part of the next World Youth Day”, Fr Frejas concluded.

Published 18/08/2011