The Network of Orchestra and Youth Cores of Panama celebrated its eighth anniversary with two gala at the National Theater and a concert tour, showing the talent of more than seven thousand children and youth who participate in the musical programs in the different communities and provinces of the country.

The celebration of this anniversary culminated with the presentation of the Metropolitan Youth Chorus and the Youth Symphony Orchestra with the presence of the Minister of Culture, María Eugenia Herrera, who emphasized the start and path of the program that began more than 15 years ago with just 180 students registered under the name "National System of Children's and Youth Bands of Panama."

The occasion was also an occasion to honor the memory of Osvaldo Antonio Sempris Sotillo (Q.E.P.D.), an initial motor of the project, who together with professionals and musicians such as Dino Nugent and Jorge Ledezma Bradley, have been offering their experience and dedicated to the transformation and musical development of the country.

"Today we are here to celebrate this whole story made by each of you and we are sure that the power of music transformed. To this country we will give prosperity with joy and enthusiasm with our children, so that they will enjoy the power of music, so that we will dance and enjoy with love," stated the Minister of Culture.

"During its eight years of existence, Panama's National Network of Orquestas and Children's and Young Chors has achieved significant achievements that have had a positive impact on the lives of Panamanian children and youth as well as on society at large. These achievements include quality music training, personal and social development, inclusion and equity, impact on remote and needy communities of the country and promotion of a culture of peace," she noted.

For his part, Alfonso Prieto, Executive President and General Manager of Banesco Panama, expressed: "Our entity firmly believes in the transformative power of education and art. We have been with the Network for seven years with the conviction that every step we have taken together will build a stronger future for Panama. Thank you for performing this noble mission and that this anniversary will lead us to continue to work together for a bright and opportunity future for all our youth."

Gabriel Boyke, representing Carmen Sacasa, a resident of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), mentioned that "this gala not only exposes the extraordinary talent of our young musicians but also reflects his remarkable trajectory throughout the years. On every occasion, we reiterate the importance of music as a powerful vehicle that promotes culture and promotes the integral development of each of them."

Currently, seven thousand children and youth are part of the Panama Youth Orchestra and Choir Network, under the national leadership of Electra Castillo and with the leadership of the Ministry of Culture (MiCultura), UNDP support, Banesco, and in partnership with the Youth Ibero-orchestras program.