The La Serena University Symphony Orchestra and its guest conductor, Nicolas Rauss, captivated the audience with 'The Creatures of Prometheus', written by Ludwig van Beethoven.

'A journey towards emotions' has been the inspiring musical proposal that the University of La Serena Symphony Orchestra has materialized in 2019 in different communes of the Province of Elqui, achieving with great success an important call in all the venues where they performed, together with capturing, through great symphonies, different states of the soul.

From 'Joy & Jubilation' to the feelings of 'Tragedy' were the emotions embodied. Both presentations, the opening and the one that put the finishing touch to the first semester, were conducted by the restless and daring baton of the Swiss conductor and principal teacher of the USACH Orchestra, Nicolas Rauss. “I can only say that I had a great time with the La Serena Symphony Orchestra and with this wonderful work even more so, because we were with a very little-known Beethoven, in a very good mood; because Beethoven is not just a drama. I simply love coming to La Serena,” said the teacher.

The culminating concert of this first cycle marked by the states of the soul, surprised the attendees who came to the cities of Coquimbo and La Serena with the piece 'Las Creaturas de Prometeo', Op. 43, written by the German genius in 1801. The masterpiece included audiovisual projections, which allowed the public to be introduced to the mythical story that surrounds this ballet that Beethoven performed at the request of the Italian choreographer, Salvatore Viganó. The plot of the legend of Prometheus, whom the Greeks presented as a sublime spirit who refined the human race through the sciences and arts, revolves around two statues that come to life under the influence of harmony and with birth. They experience earthly passions. So Prometheus leads them to Apollo, God of the Arts, so that he may enlighten them with his wisdom.

For those who witnessed the V Concert of the 2019 Season, the proposal was classified as a balm for the senses. Patricia Contreras was one of the attendees who came to the Performing Arts Room of the Palace Cultural Center: “I love everything related to symphonic music, I grew up in a family of musicians and this connection that the orchestra has given us has been wonderful. I loved the program they offered, because it was fun and everything that has to do with the legend of Prometheus involves magic and that fascinates me. “I really enjoyed the concert because I sat last, listened carefully to the ballet, closed my eyes and imagined everything,” she said excitedly.

For his part, Edwin Buigley, who attended with his 9- and 6-year-old daughters, confessed that this is the first time he has participated in a concert by the regional orchestra: “I always saw the promotions for their concerts, but I hadn't given it a chance.” time to come Now that I could, I pleasantly enjoyed the concert,” he confessed, adding that he was very interested in listening to the work written by Beethoven.

The fifth presentation of the year closed the first half of this season with great success, based on an inspiring and exciting program that traveled through the feelings of 'Joy & Jubilee', 'Illusion & Surprise', 'Sadness & Melancholy', 'Enthusiasm & Fun' and 'Tragedy' from the hand of great exponents in conducting and guest soloists. This second semester, 'A journey through emotions' will continue to bear fruit with acclaimed artists and a vast selection of works to delight the territory's public.

It should be noted that this season is carried out thanks to the support and financing of the Ministry of Cultures, Arts and Heritage, which since 2016 has been attached to the National Budget Glosa; in addition to the important institutional support provided by the University of La Serena, through the Directorate of Linkage with the Environment and Extension (DIVEULS); the Municipality of La Serena, through its Department of Culture; and the Municipality of Coquimbo in conjunction with its Department of Culture.

Written by Camila Pérez, University of La Serena Symphony Orchestra