HIGÜEY, La Altagracia. The Diocese of Higüey and the Banco Popular Moroccano sponsored the twenty-third edition of their traditional Altagraciano concert on the Esplanade des Higüey Basilica of Our Lady of La Altagraciawith the participation of more than a hundred musicians from the National Symphony Orchestraunder the direction of Maestro José Antonio Molina and with the special participation of saxophonist Sandy Gabriel as guest soloist.
The staging of the Altagracian concertframed by the celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the popular bankwas enriched by a performance in front of more than 1,200 guests consisting of customers, government, military and religious authorities, media and the public.
Those in attendance enjoyed a very popular musical program consisting of eight symphonic works by the authors José Antonio Molina, Juan Luis Guerra, Mario de Jesús, Papa Molina, Salvador Sturla, Luis Rivera and Toño Abreuand conclusion of the performance of the symphony with the interpretation of the Overture 1812 the famous romantic composer of Russian origin, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
Masterful conclusion with the overture from 1812
The overture ended masterfully with fireworks, the impressive ringing of the basilica’s bells and the gun salute from four artillery pieces and ten riflemen provided by the Ministry of Defense.
Without a doubt, it was an extraordinary finale with an orchestration full of metal instruments and numerous percussion instruments accompanying the thunder of cannons and loud celebratory bells.
Music producer and saxophonist Sandy Gabriel, guest artist at the concert, highlighted his skills together with the National Symphony Orchestra. Gabriel He has represented the Dominican Republic at the most important international jazz festivals and has participated alongside great artists such as Arturo Sandoval, Giovanni Hidalgo, Humberto Ramírez, Paquito D’Rivera, Michel Camilo and others.
We have been celebrating for 60 years…
As part of this celebration, those present heard the welcoming words of Monsignor Jesús Castro Marte and Mr Christopher PaniaguaManaging Director of Banco Popular, who emphasized that the holding of this event is another example of the organization’s commitment to Dominican art and culture.
“Thanks to the support of all of you and society, we have been fulfilling our role as a catalyst for the economic, social, institutional and environmental development of the Dominican Republic for 60 years,” emphasized Mr. Paniagua. He also thanked the Municipality of Higüey and the Province of La Altagracia for their continued support.
El Popular celebrates its sixtieth anniversary in 2024 and this concert is part of the program of activities that the financial organization will develop this year, reaffirming its commitment to preserving and promoting Dominican culture through music and traditions.
The event was attended by prominent personalities, led by Manuel E. Jiménez, CEO of Grupo Popular; Eduardo J. Grullón V., President of AFP Popular, and his wife, Ms. Jhoanna Rodríguez de Grullón; Ms. Antonia Antón de Hernández, Senior Executive Vice President for Human Management, Cultural Transformation, Credit Administration and Compliance; Mr. Juan Lehoux, Senior Executive Vice President of Technology and Operations; the gentleman Jose Marmol, executive vice president of corporate communications, reputation and responsible banking; Virgilio Cedano, Senator for the Province of La Altagracia; and, among others, Monsignor Santiago Rodríguez, Bishop of the Diocese of San Pedro de Macorís.
Before the concert, visitors had the opportunity to view the concert privately Altagracia Museum “Alejandro E. Grullón E.”, enriching the cultural and spiritual experience of veneration of the Virgin of Altagracia.
During the event, thanks were given to the sponsors whose contribution allows the expansion and maintenance of the Altagracia cult through donations Altagracia Museum Foundation “Alejandro E. Grullón E.“, through the philanthropic foundation La Altagracia.
Concert broadcast
This great Altagracia concert will be broadcast on January 21st as part of the fourth edition of the Altagracia Vigil “For Love of the Virgin”, celebrated as part of the celebrations of the Virgin of La Altagracia.
The vigil will take place from just before midnight on January 20th until early the next morning at the Basilica of Higüey and will also be available through the digital media of the Basilica and Banco Popular.
