El Paso will mark 9/11 and Juarez Violence with Stars from Opera World

By Joe Olvera (c), 2010

9/11 – the date the terrorists destroyed the World Trade Center in New York City – has had repercussions around the world. The United States, of course, the nation that suffered tremendously, with more than 3,000 people dead, has felt the anguish wrought by Al Qaeda. That anguish has crossed international lines even in the City of El Paso, Texas.

To commemorate that sad event, Ciudad Juarez, Mexico has opted to join hands with El Paso, while El Paso has opted to join hands with Ciudad Juarez. Both communities  have suffered at the hands of terrorists. With the understanding that “Music Hath Charms that Soothe the Savage Breast,” Ciudad Juarez’s Symphony Orchestra will honor the victims of 9/11, while the El Paso Opera will honor those good souls who have died in the seeingly unstoppable violence that has plagued Juarez for years.

Beginning with the theme, “Opera For All” on September 11, 2010, the musical extravaganza will feature tributes to the victims of 9/11 and the victims of the Juarez violence with a theme of global unity through the music of Puccini, Verdi, and other great favorites. With seats costing only $25, El Pasoans and Juarenses together will pay special attention to beautiful music with special meanings.

Also on the agenda is the “Amor Por Juarez (Love for Juarez)” campaign, an ongoing effort to demonstrate the solidarity and support of the Paso del Norte region for the people of Juarez. The effort begins with “Opera For All” and will continue with more to be announced.

“Several weeks ago I heard the ambassador from Mexico to the United States speak,” said El Paso Opera General Director dvid Grabarkewitz. “He said, without judgement: ‘9/11 occurred. The loss of life was a tragedy. As a result, you strenghtened your border. Now we have Juarez. the concert on September 11, 2010, desires not only to honor 9/11 victims of that day in 2001, but also to recognize the resulting violence in Juarez and what impact it has had on the region economically, and – most importantly – emotionally. We are the same and striving to make us separate will only, ultimately, drive us together, like this concert on September 11 at the Plaza Theatre, with myself directing and Maestro Carlos Garcia, of the Juarez Symphony, conducting.”

An annoucement was also made at a press conference on Thursday about world-class opera performers that will be cast in El Paso Opera’s production of “Madama Butterfly,” in March, 2011. Stellar performers at that event will include Shu-Ying, the star of El Paso Opera’s General Director David Grabarkewitz’s 2008 Emmy winning telecast. “She’s easily the best Butterfly that I’ve seen and is considered by many the best current Butterfly in the world,” Grabarkewitz said.

Tickets for all El Paso Opera performances can be purchased at www.epopera.org or by calling 915-581-5534. Special discounts will be available for seniors, military personnel, students, and group purchases.