Colombia's youth symphony orchestra named best in the world at Dutch competition

Colombia's young musicians have achieved global recognition, with a youth symphony orchestra from the department of Caldas crowned the best in the world at the World Music Contest in Kerkrade, Netherlands. The ensemble earned a remarkable score of 96 out of 100, outperforming 17 other bands from Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

This victory marks a significant moment for Colombian talent on the international stage. The Caldas orchestra, composed of 54 musicians aged 11 to 18, showcased exceptional skill and discipline. Their performance resonated deeply, leading to the Colombian national anthem being played at the prestigious event.

The success extends beyond the top-ranked orchestra. Seven Colombian bands participated in the World Music Contest across three categories. The band from Samacá, Boyacá, which overcame significant financial challenges to compete, secured a victory in the Third Section. Additionally, a band from Sabaneta, Antioquia, triumphed in the Second Section, further highlighting the depth of musical talent in Colombia.

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It's something spectacular, an achievement that makes us visible worldwide and is thanks to the relentless, continuous, and tireless work of these young people from the municipalities and villages of Caldas. Behind this triumph are their teachers, their parents, their families, and friends. We are celebrating and we offer immense recognition to our musicians, our director, and our Secretariat of Education, who have given their all for so many years.

Two orchestras from Cundinamarca also achieved notable success, placing second and seventh in their category. These achievements underscore a national commitment to fostering musical education and providing platforms for young artists. Governor of Caldas, Henry Gutiérrez Ángel, expressed immense pride, attributing the triumph to the "relentless, continuous, and tireless work" of the young musicians, their teachers, families, and the departmental education secretariat.

Juan Sebastián Velasco Serna, director of the Caldas Youth Symphony Orchestra and coordinator of the Departmental Band Program, emphasized that the championship represents the collective effort of an entire department and a nation dedicated to showcasing its talent. He described the win as a "dream come true" for many families and institutions that have supported the program, solidifying Colombia's reputation for musical excellence.

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It's something I still can't believe. It's the dream come true of many families; of parents, principals, students, of the Secretariat of Education and the Governorate of Caldas, who have believed in this Program and have strengthened it so that today we can say that we have won it all; with practice, with talent, with dedication, and with the support of many, we have honored the name of an entire country.