Symphonic Orchestra rehearses for concert before Pope Leo XIV

The Carlos Cruz-Diez Symphonic Orchestra, primarily made up of Venezuelan migrants, is set to perform for Pope Leo XIV after an intensive 12-hour rehearsal at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium. Conductor Manuel Jurado, from Carabobo state, described the opportunity to lead the music for the pontiff as the fulfillment of an almost unattainable dream. He shared a profound moment of prayer, feeling divinely placed to deliver a significant message. Despite physical exhaustion from the long rehearsal, Jurado expressed excitement about the musical synergy achieved. "Unifying a thousand people with a choir, an orchestra of 70 musicians, plus bands and soloists, has been a challenge. But today for the first time we came together and it flowed so well. There is a very positive energy," he stated with emotion. The Vatican selected a repertoire of 12 pieces, including Beethoven's 'Ode to Joy' and Diego Torres' 'Color Esperanza'. While certain pieces like 'Alma Llanera' were not permitted by the Catholic Church, the Venezuelan essence will be preserved through arrangements by national artists such as Leonardo Lucena, David Pedrosa, Pedro Mauricio, and José Colmenares.