Americas

Celebrating Peru’s Bicentennial with Music in Germany

A Memorable Concert Marks Peru’s Independence Anniversary

July 12th, 2024
Yevheniia Symakova, News from Berlin
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In commemoration of Peru’s Bicentennial of Independence, the Peruvian Embassy in Germany hosted a concert on June 15th, featuring pianist and composer Mónica Cárdenas and cellist Johan Aparicio. The event, titled “Chaos,” captivated audiences with its blend of Peruvian and contemporary classical music, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Peru.

The Peruvian Ambassador to Germany inaugurated the concert with a welcome address, discussing the importance of the Bicentennial and noting the outstanding careers of the performing artists. He also mentioned their album "Chaos," released last year, which received a silver medal at the 2023 Global Music Awards for its artistic quality.

The concert began with a piece by Peruvian composer Celso Garrico-Lecca Seminario, establishing a sense of national pride. This was followed by selections from Cárdenas and Aparicio’s album, “Chaos,” showcasing their talent and collaboration. The evening concluded with a rendition of “La Flor de la Canela,” a well-known Peruvian piece.

The audience, consisting of German attendees, members of the Peruvian community, business figures and diplomatic guests, responded with applause, appreciating the musicians’ performances. The concert recognized Peru’s historical milestone and contributed to strengthening cultural ties between Peru and Germany.

Peru’s Bicentennial marks 200 years since the country’s declaration of independence from Spanish rule. This significant event in national history prompts celebrations that showcase Peru’s culture, heritage and achievements. The concert in Germany was part of a global series of events designed to share and celebrate Peruvian culture internationally.

Mónica Cárdenas, recognized for her compositions that combine classical and contemporary elements, has gained international recognition for her work. Johan Aparicio, a cellist, has also contributed to the music world by promoting Latin American classical music to a wider audience. Their collaboration on the album “Chaos” reflects the evolving nature of Peruvian music.

The event’s success highlights the role of cultural diplomacy in promoting mutual understanding and appreciation between nations. Music, as a universal language, helps bridge cultural differences and connect people. This concert celebrated Peru’s musical heritage and showcased the country’s ongoing contribution to the global arts scene.

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News from Berlin