During last week we were sold tickets for a concert that was being organised to raise funds for the restoration of one of the local orphanages. Last night was the big night for La Casa Hogar “Los Gorriones” de Ayacucho, the liberal translation being home sweet home of ‘the sparrows’ of Ayacucho! Apparently the orphanage is in rather dire need of restoration and I suppose like all other such organisations in Peru the Government is not too quick in coming forward with the necessary funds.
The concert was not held at the orphanage but rather at St Anthony’s Secondary College, only two blocks from our hotel. As yet we have not visited the actual orphanage; however, we have had a number of invitations to do so because a number of overseas volunteers also stay at Hotel Tres Mascaras.
Some of the sparrows were in full flight during the preparations for the start of the night while others were prepared to wait for the time when they would perform a rather stunning act. Marion pointed out that printed on the back of their T shirts were the words ‘sin amor nada soy’- without love I am nothing.
As usual the printed starting time had actually nothing to do with the actual starting time! We were there for the 4.00 p.m. starting time; we could have arrived for the 4.50 p.m. starting time! Even then the crowd was rather sparse. Nevertheless, when the music began you could understand why – why pay the entrance fee when you could hear the music throughout most of Ayacucho! The locals certainly love to wind up the volume when a PA system is near to hand. Don’t get me wrong, although the band was very loud it was still extremely good.
After about an hour ‘the sparrows’ were called upon to do their act.
They were under the direction of two young volunteers and I can assure you that these two young women had obviously put in many hours of hard work with the children.
As seen in the photos they performed a precision drumming act with home-made drum sticks and various sized metal drums, all the time marching around in a circle. They even managed to throw their drum sticks into the air on a number of occasions as an extra effect!
They were terrific and fully deserved the applause they received when taking a bow.
We were entertained by three beautifully dressed Huamanginos who sang and danced and also an amazing ‘harpa’ player. At one stage Marion thought that he was actually being accompanied by a CD, not true, all the sounds were being produced by his eight fingers and two thumbs! You could have listened to a lot more of his music but it seems he had to rush away to anther gig.
The orphanage has wonderful support from overseas volunteers, especially from France and Germany. These young people come out for three to six months in order to offer their services for the support of the children. The love and care they offer the children is so obvious to all.
Towards the end of the concert a group of the volunteers, both male and female, performed three songs in wonderful harmony. Great to hear.
Just before 7.00 p.m., and not knowing when the concert would actually finish we decided to head off for pizza!
Two final observations worth noting about St Anthony’s College, firstly the concert was being held in the actual playground of the College with three stories of classrooms surrounding the area. This area was the size of a basketball court! And secondly when I return to Mildura I will advocate the ‘clock on/clock off’ system for the teachers witin our local schools and colleges back in the area. Now that would be a great idea!
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