The Musicall Youth Orchestra delivered an emphatic encore performance on July 10 at the Golden Hall of the Musikverein at the international musical festival known as the Summa Cum Laude Festival (SCL). The Musicall orchestra competed in the Chamber orchestra category, aiming to repeat their past success last year with their first place victory. The group traveled along many countries in Eastern Europe — including Salzburg, Germany; Munich, Germany; Prague, Czech Republic; and Vienna, Austria.
Often hailed as the universal language, music finds its ultimate expression at the SCL Youth Music Festival, where young performers from around the world gather in Vienna to showcase their skills. Every year in July, this festival transforms Vienna’s iconic classical concert halls, the Wiener Konzerthaus and the Golden Hall of the Musikverein into vibrant hubs of cross-cultural exchange.
The festival is a unique opportunity for thousands of young musicians worldwide to engage in meaningful dialogue through their performances. It creates bridges across continents and speaks the shared language of music. Beyond the competitive performance aspects, the festival offers workshops at the SCL Academy at the Vienna University of Music.
Here, elite experts provide valuable instruction and serve as judges for the SCL competition. This integration of education, competition, and performances makes the SCL Festival not just an event but a cultural experience and educational experience for young musicians all around the world.
Exploring Musical Excellence:
Led by conductor Taimy Balbuzano, the Musicall Youth Orchestra embarked on a musical journey that combined Cuban funk cultural exportation and artistic achievement. The pieces ranged from Leonard Bernstein’s (1918-1990) Overture to “Candide”, Johann Sebastian Bach’s (1685-1750) Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 BWV 1050. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) Symphony No. 40 in G minor KV 550, 1. Molto allegro. Manuel de Falla (1876-1946) Danse du Meunier. Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971) Berceuse and Finale from The Firebird Suite (1919). Pino Donaggio (*1941) Dressed To Kill: The Shower. Damaso Perez Prado (1916 – 1989) Mambo Jambo . The festival featured a diverse range of performances, including chorus, orchestras, and band ensembles. This competition allowed young musicians from around the world to cover and share their passion for music, creating a collaborative environment. Musicall performances were a way of showing their countless hours of practice all to achieve the shared vision for the competition.
Salzburg:
The tour began in Salzburg, Austria the birthplace of Mozart and a city known for its musical heritage. The program Musicall opened with a spectacular performance that revealed the city’s iconic music scene and made the musical history of the area.
Prague:
In Prague, Czech Republic, which is also known as the “City of a Hundred Spires”, Musicall inhabited the city’s picturesque landmarks and played in prestigious concert halls, such as the Rudolfinum and Smetana Hall.
Vienna:
Vienna, Austria, often equated with classical music, served as a backdrop for Musicall’s exploration of Viennese classical music. The SCL Festival competition was held here, allowing Musicall to perform in venues such as the Wiener Musikverein and the Konzerthaus. The music resonated deeply with the local audience and other festival performers, showcasing Vienna’s rich musical heritage. The final showcase exceeded expectations, with Musicall achieving its second consecutive victory in the Chamber Orchestra category. The award was a confirmation to the public of their skills and also proof of their growth as a musical orchestra showcasing their dedication and consistency in improving their craft.
A Unifying Experience
Reflecting on the experience, violinist Paloma shared, “Performing in the heart of Europe, surrounded by such incredible musicians, was an experience beyond words. Winning again is an honor, but the journey, the shared moments, and the friendships made are what truly makes this experience unforgettable.”
“This festival is not just about the competition; it’s about the cultural exchange and the opportunity to connect with young musicians from around the world,” Musicall’s lead composer Balbuzano said. “Our students have grown so much, both musically and personally, through this experience.”
The SCL Festival was more than just a competition for Musicall, it was a cultural exchange. A rare chance to connect with young musicians from around the world and an opportunity to represent Florida on an international stage. Their journey through Europe was a musical pathway enriching their lives and inspiring future generations.
One of the participating students in the Musicall orchestra Alejandro Bermudez, noted “Meeting other young musicians and learning from their techniques and styles has been incredibly enriching. The experience has broadened our horizons and inspired us to reach new heights in our musical journey.”
Looking Ahead:
As Musicall returns home with unforgettable experiences, they carry with them the spirit of music and artistic achievement that defines the Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival. Their success serves as an example of how transformative music can be and the enduring impact of cultural exchange.
