21 Apr Gershwin in an unprecedent concert in Aparecida
The famous Rhapsody in Blue was the work chosen to be interpreted in what would be the first symphonic concert to be held within the National Shrine of Aparecida, patroness of Brazil.
Celebrating the World Day for Autism Awareness, last April 2nd, Alvaro Siviero opened the commemorative concert with the piano transcription by Liszt of the famous Ave Maria by Schubert. Then, accompanied by the Barra Mansa Symphony Orchestra performed the well known “Rhapsody in Blue”, by the New York composer George Gershwin, with the presence of hundreds of people. It was the first time that the National Shrine of Aparecida, a Brazilian icon, harbored an initiative of this kind.
The concert was widely broadcasted by newspapers, radio, TV, social media, among other major media outlets. It was gratifying to observe, during the concert, the presence of autistic people with their families which moved from São Paulo to the city of Aparecida. At the end of the event, the Sanctuary was illuminated blue.