Puerto Rico Base At The Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra
Collaborators: Maria Judith Gandia, Rafael Montañez and Nancy Nevarez.
More details about this mission can be found here
On October 30 and 31, and November 21st, Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra hosted the event “A Celebration to Star Wars” at the Luis A. Ferre Performing Arts Center in San Juan, Puerto Rico. What originally started as two concerts turned into six sold-out concerts in which people of all ages congregated with the common interest on the very popular sci-fi franchise.
Rebel Legion members from the Puerto Rico Base (and a special guest from Cruz del Sur Base) participated in the majority of the concerts, alongside members of the 501st Legion Puerto Rico Garrison and the Puerto Rico Clan of the Mandalorian Mercs Costume Club. The result was a complete interactive experience between the attendees, the orchestra musicians and the members of the Star Wars costuming clubs.
“The Puerto Rico Garrison Commander, Jose Nieves, works with the Orchestra. He and the staff of the Performing Arts Center Luis A. Ferre invited us to be part of the concert”, said Maria Judith Gandia (mjudith), Base Commanding Officer of the Puerto Rico Base. “In the first five concerts, Nancy Nevarez (Anikah) represented the Rebel Legion on stage during one of the performances.”
The concert featured the Lyrical Chorale of Puerto Rico, directed by the soprano Joanne Herrero. Under the direction of master Rafael Irizarry, the Symphony performed the musical score for both trilogies, which was composed by John Williams. Rebel Legion member Julia Pizarro performed with the chorale during the performance of “Duel Of The Fates” from “The Phantom Menace” musical score.
One of our members, Nancy Nevarez, was prominently featured as “Princess Leia”, alongside with a remote-controlled R2-D2 on the stage, recreating the iconic scene in which the popular character is introduced to the audience in “A New Hope”.
“From the beginning of the dress rehearsal, the emotion was more than I could handle. Listening to the Symphony Orchestra for the first time gave me an incredible peace of mind that I needed lately”, recalls Legion member Nancy Nevarez (Anikah). “When I heard the first chords of “Princess Leia Theme”, I was trembling as I walked to the stage. I wanted to cry, but I kept control of my emotions. The elegance and wisdom of the master had no equal. Meeting with members from our sister organizations fulfilled me because of the professionalism and camaraderie among them. I am infinitely grateful for this beautiful experience and I hope for more opportunities like this one.”
The Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 57th anniversary of foundation. You can find more details in www.sinfonicapr.pr.gov
Puerto Rico Base started as an Outpost on Sep. 24, 2008 and became a Base on Oct. 4, 2010.
Maria Judith Gandia (mjudith) is the current BCO, and William Desiderio (Wideko Deskort) is the current BXO. You can visit them here
