Paraguay’s Recycled Orchestra Turns Trash into Tunes
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Loading... - Bahiti Salem
- 07 Nov 2024
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In October, the Punahou Music School had the honor of hosting the Recycled Orchestra of Cateura, an internationally acclaimed ensemble from Paraguay known for its remarkable ability to create musical instruments from reclaimed trash. Under the leadership of Favio Chávez, the orchestra is made up of talented youth from the low-income Bañado Sur community, located near the Cateura Landfill in Asunción, Paraguay. Their inspiring story embodies resilience, creativity, and a strong commitment to sustainability.
The Recycled Orchestra has garnered global attention for its innovative approach to music, with features on prominent platforms such as 60 Minutes and NPR. The ensemble's instruments are a testament to their resourcefulness: a bass crafted from an oil can, a saxophone made from rain gutters adorned with bottle caps and coins, and a violin fashioned from a pizza pan, fork, and spoon. This creative repurposing of materials not only produces unique sounds but also highlights the importance of environmental sustainability.
In addition to their performances, the orchestra operates a music school that provides free lessons to 300 to 400 students in the Cateura neighborhood, fostering musical talent and offering opportunities for personal growth in a community often overlooked.
During their visit to O‘ahu, the Recycled Orchestra performed at the Tenney Theatre and held a special event at the Punahou Music School. They participated in a student recital in Montague Hall and engaged in an open rehearsal, where they collaborated on the Hawaiian steel guitar tune “Sleepwalk,” arranged by Music School faculty member Duane Padilla.
Helen Chao-Casano, the Music School Director, remarked on the significance of the open rehearsal, stating, “It gave students and audience members a behind-the-scenes look at how people who don’t speak the same language can still connect and collaborate through music. It was a reminder of music’s unique power to bridge cultures, bring people together, and inspire us all.”
The Recycled Orchestra of Cateura not only showcases the transformative power of music but also serves as a powerful example of how creativity and community can thrive even in the face of adversity. Their journey continues to inspire audiences around the world, proving that with imagination and determination, even trash can be turned into beautiful tunes.
