Gala Musical at the Orfanatorio de Mazatlán

The Orfanatorio de Mazatlán
Tonight was magical! We went to a concert to benefit the Orfanatorio de Mazatlán that was held in the courtyard of the orphanage. Apparently it is an annual event, which is extremely well-attended by Mexicans and gringos alike. The program was top drawer with outstanding talent: a youth orchestra, well-known musicians, and a programa that was varied and extensive, including excerpts from Carmen, Romeo and Juliet, the Barber of Seville, Traviata, Boheme, Tales of Hoffman and others with outstanding vocalists. We sat front row center, and I felt that I have never before been that close to so much talent!

During the very brief intermissions, dozens of trays of tapas were passed among us, and beverages and wine were available, supplied by sponsoring businesses. One major bank contributed $150,000 pesos (equivalent to $15,000 USD) to the orphanage which I suspect is not a common gesture. Much needed and appreciated. Some of the children were brought out along with the artists at the finale with bouquets for the musicians and vocalists.

It is often surprising to open a door to a building in a nondescript neighborhood to discover an amazing courtyard and interior. The orphanage's courtyard is well-maintained, altho somewhat austere. It appears that the building must have been owned by an affluent family in times past. When going to the baño I glanced through a doorway and paused when I saw a long rectangular room with approximately 20 cots on both sides lined against the outside walls with a few cribs in the center of the room. All of the cots had the same print bedspread on each one, but there were different stuffed toys on some beds. Made my heart quicken when I saw it.

Seated next to me during the performance was an elegant older woman who gave me some history. There are several orphanages here: two funded by the Catholics and another by the Salvation Army, but this orphanage struggles for money. Apparently many expats get involved in all kinds of service organizations, but not enough at this particular orphanage. Some of the children are true orphans, many abandoned, but some are also placed there by parents who are unable to care for them. The sorry state of human history marches on.

I am grateful to have had the chance to hear this outstanding concert, and to learn more of this region's history.