Friends once Again!

On July 27, 2024 ACMP and the Hotel Casa Aliso in Quito, Ecuador sponsored a Just Play chamber music event featuring the music of Spain, Ecuador and Mexico. Ecuador and Mexico have recently been involved in an embassy dispute, and to symbolically show friendship once again, ACMP players Catalina Paredes (violin), Tom Cappaert (cello) and Ana Paula Vera (violin) played music by the Spanish composer Juan Crisóstomo Arriaga (1806 – 1826) alongside Ecuadorean pasillos and Mexican folk songs while listeners sampled wine from Ecuador and Spain and Mexican tequila in a friendly atmosphere of cheer and dancing. Violist Estefania Quevedo and guitarist Hannibal Ariel stepped in to join us as well. Hotel Casa Aliso has sponsored musicians in chamber music events in Quito, Ecuador since 2021.

Having an organization like ACMP, which pays attention to the musical cultural development of a community, can offer an interesting perspective at an international level due to the ability to connect with a wide network of musicians, allowing to generate an impact beyond borders and at the same time know the needs of each country. Although Ecuador and Mexico currently do not have diplomatic relations, organizations like the ACMP can focus on the cultural aspect of a project through an impartial and neutral position. Additionally, ACMP can find opportunities to support musicians and projects that highlight the cultural richness and particular struggles of countries, in this case: Ecuador, Mexico and Spain. Thus, any international organization can contribute to the visibility and recognition of this type of projects at various levels.

It is necessary to emphasize that music has a unique power to influence the resolution of disputes and conflicts in the world, since music is a means to open channels of communication through concerts, festivals, cultural exchanges and others. By sharing music from different cultures, people can find common ground and appreciate the richness of each other’s traditions. This can help reduce tensions between communities by focusing on what they share rather than what divides them.

In my personal story and as an agent, participating in this chamber music event in Ecuador, Mexico and Spain, I can ensure that music not only serves to heal relationships on a large scale, but also on a personal scale, since the fact of sharing with fellow musicians helps to understand the reality that the person next to you may be facing. Thus, each musician can develop their empathy, solidarity and channel music as a tool of reconciliation between different minds.

Music has historically been a force for social and political change. Songs and musical movements can inspire people to act, unite in common causes and push for reforms that promote justice and equality, without forgetting that it is a safe space for self-expression and creativity.