Saturday, July 16, 8 p.m.
Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Energizing Concert Breaks Boundaries between Classical and Tropical Music;
Media Invited to Attend Pre-Concert Ceremony Reaffirming first Sister Cities Relationship

The Broward Center for Performing Arts, a cultural partner in the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment (A&E) District, will be buzzing with activity on Saturday, July 16 when the 50-year Sister City relationship between Fort Lauderdale and Medellin, Colombia will be commemorated with the Tropical Symphony concert in the Au-Rene Theater. Featuring dancers from the prestigious National Ballet of Colombia, this special event brings together Claudia Diez and her orchestra, TONO 40, and the renowned Amadeus Youth Orchestra from Medellin for an evening not to be missed. The Tropical Symphony Concert breaks the boundaries of classical and popular music and gives new meaning to the concept of a tropical orchestra. With an exciting fusion of music and folkloric dance, this special event promotes the rich cultural identity of Colombia.

Celebrated as one of the world’s premier dance companies, Ballet de Colombia, established by Sonia Osorio, has delivered its love for its country’s culture throughout the world for 50 years. The first folkloric ballet established in Colombia, Ballet deColombia is a celebration between dance and music, and marries the rituals of the country’s folkloric history with the athleticism and majesty of its dancers. These elements are combined with colorful costumes and vibrant music to create an electrifying performance.

Established in 1998 as a music school that reached out to children from the underprivileged neighborhoods of Medellin, the Amadeus Youth Orchestra’s talented ensemble has traveled throughout Latin America, the U.S. and Europe, performing before noted dignitaries including Pope John Paul II. The first youth symphonic orchestra in Colombia, the Amadeus Youth Orchestra encourages its performers, ages 10-17, to nurture a love and appreciation for music through learning and exploration. This will be their first appearance in South Florida.

Tickets for the Tropical Symphony concert range from $30-$100 and are available through the Broward Center for the Performing Arts Box Office or online at www.browardcenter.org. The concert begins at 8 p.m. and takes place in the Au-Rene Theater.

The concert is presented by Claudia Diez with support from Nova Southeastern University, Ana G. Mendez University, and Coordi Util along with many throughout the Colombian community.

“We are delighted that the Tropical Symphony concert will take place at the Broward Center for Performing Arts during the city of Fort Lauderdale’s Centennial year,” said Carmen Ackerman, project manager for Riverwalk A&E District. “The Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District supports and promotes the international cultural ties between Fort Lauderdale and cities around the globe, and we’re honored that the Broward Center was selected as the venue for this exciting event.”

Prior to the concert, members of the media are invited to attend the 6:00 pm signing ceremony where a reaffirmation of the commitment between these two Sister Cities will take place. The ceremony will be attended by local government officials, business, community leaders, and international delegates from Medellin, Colombia at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in the Abdo New River Room. The agreement symbolizes the continuing friendship between the two cities, as well as the commitment to strengthen cultural, educational and economic ties between the State of Florida and the region of Antioquia in Colombia, of which the capital is Medellin. Sister Cities International is a Citizens Diplomacy network with a strong presence across the U.S. The Greater Fort Lauderdale Sister Cities International has made greatefforts to foster partnerships with 17 cities throughout the world. The partnership with the City of Medellin is the first Sister City relationship established by the City of Fort Lauderdale