Paraguay's National Symphony Orchestra to Celebrate U.S. Independence Anniversary with American Music

The National Symphony Orchestra (OSN) of Paraguay is set to present a special concert titled "Sasõ ha opytáva" (Freedom and Legacy) this Thursday, July 16, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States' independence. This event marks the fifth concert of the OSN's International Season 2026.

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In this cycle, where the symphony orchestra presents the development of universal music, which is so immense, it is always a challenge.

Under the baton of Paraguayan maestro Ernesto Estigarribia Mussi, the orchestra will perform a program dedicated to the works of American composers. Mussi, who also serves as the musical director for symphony orchestras in Sheboygan and Mankato in the U.S., expressed that the concert aims to "celebrate the identity of the American sound." He highlighted the significant contributions of composers like George Gershwin, Leonard Bernstein, Samuel Barber, and Aaron Copland in shaping the symphonic identity of America.

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We chose American composers for the first part, and for the second, an emblematic symphony that is always, let's say, the main course where all the elements of technical difficulty and expressiveness of the orchestra are present.

The concert's repertoire includes Bernstein's "Candide" Overture and Gershwin's "An American in Paris," described as a colorful piece. The second half will feature Brahms' Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98. Mussi noted that while seemingly unrelated, Brahms' work contains a passacaglia in its final movement, a harmonic progression with variations, which adds a layer of complexity and depth to the program. Additionally, five students from Vanderbilt University, where Mussi is director of orchestral activities, will join the OSN for this performance as part of an agreement.

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The intention of this concert is to 'celebrate the identity of the American sound.'