The National Symphony Orchestra of Panama (OSN), a cultural pride of Panama, celebrates its 84th anniversary of continuous presence on May 27, conserving and disseminating the invaluable legacy of symphony music to different generations of Panamanian people.

A special anniversary concert will be held at the Balboa Theater on Thursday, May 29, with a high-level program with the participation of outstanding international Oboist Alex Klein as guest soloist under the direction of master Ricardo Risco, currently charged director.

"Over the years we have been able to form a more diverse and more passionate audience, more aware of the value of the symphonic repertoire. That orchestra does not only interpret scores: it keeps alive a cultural heritage that belongs to all," said Master Risco.

At the occasion of the celebration, Master Alex Klein will also share his experience through two free workshops open to the public at the Herbert Auditorium of Castro, at the City of the Arts: Monday 26 May: "Knowledge and development of the oboe technique" and Tuesday 27 May: "Special techniques and physical exercises for musicians with some disability." Both meetings will be held from 2: 00 p.m. to 4: 00 p.m.

In its more than eight decades, the Orchestra has expanded its mission beyond the stage. It has been a teacher of generations of musicians, has been an impetus to national creation by planning works by Panamanian composers, and has extended its presence to different provinces of the country with concerts and tours that bring symphonic music closer to public people who once could not enjoy it live.

"Today we see a more solid orchestra with very well-prepared youth that have been incorporated into our ranks. We have been able to discuss more complex works and start pieces that have never been touched before in the country. One of our great commitments is with local creation: every year we dedicated at least a concert to Panamanian composers, because we believe in their talent and the value of what they have to say through music," added Master Risco.

Due to this growth, the OSN has become a platform of opportunities for new talents and a cultural institution that remains in the mission of educating, thrilling and building a collective memory through orchestral art.

The tickets for the concert of Thursday May 29th are available through Panaticks. It will be a night to celebrate the path of the National Symphony Orchestra and the transformative power of music.