Panama May 14, 2026. Panamanian musical talent once again crossed boundaries with the participation of the musician, teacher and conductor of Panamanian orchestra Jovanis Torres at the third International Course of Orchestra, held from 4 to 9 May in Caracas.

The 29-year-old, coordinator of the Aguadulce Module of the Panama Network of Orchestra and Youth Choirs, represented the country in this academic and artistic experience that brought together directors from Latin America and Asia.

The program was taught by Venezuelan master Jesús Uzcátegui with the Juan José Landaeta Symphony Orchestra as part of the training activities of El Sistema Nacional de Orquestas and Coros Juveniles and Infantiles de Venezuela

Representatives from Panama, Ecuador, Bolivia, India, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Honduras and Venezuela participated in a cultural and musical exchange focused on strengthening the formation of new orchestral directors "To represent Panama at this orchestral course was an immense honor. It meant to put our country's name high and to show the talent and musical capacity we have at Aguadulce. I felt an ambassador to our people and our potential," said Torres.

The Panamanian director explained that his selection was given in two phases: first, with the recommendation of the national director of the Network of Orchestra and Youth Cores of Panama, Electra Castillo, and later after an appraisal of a video leading an orchestra, with the aim of monitoring the technical level required to participate.

During an intense week of theoretical and practical classes, participants worked with musical analysis, hearing training, orchestral repertoire and leadership techniques with respect to professional groups.

The experience culminated with a gala concert at the Simón Bolívar Room of the National Center for Social Action for Music, where they performed works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Piotr Ilich Tchaikovsky, Giuseppe Verdi and Silvestre Reveltas.

Beyond his technique, Torres emphasized the human impact of his experience. "I learned that leading isn't just technical. The most valuable learning was to understand batta as a tool of social action, working music from empathy, human sense and respect for individuality within his collective," he stated.
The participation of Jovanis Torres represents an important accomplishment for the province of Coclé and Panama, showing the growth of the youth orchestral movement of the country and its presence at international stage of musical training.