Conductor Alondra de la Parra brings together The Impossible Orchestra, formed by outstanding musicians from 14 different countries, in order to support Mexican women and children affected by COVID-19.The Impossible Orchestra makes its debut with the interpretation of the quintessential Mexican symphonic composition: Danzón No. 2, by Arturo Márquez.

The Impossible Orchestra has gathered, at a distance, the best soloists in the world to play one of the most important pieces of Mexican classical music. Due to the COVID crisis, these musicians have recorded their music independently, showing that even in distance, music can be created through collaboration, creativity and talent.

The music is accompanied by prima ballerina Elisa Carrillo with choreography created specifically for the event by renowned Christopher Wheeldon. Danzón No. 2was the most performed classical piece in the world in 2019 and has been reinvented by Márquez and Alondra de la Parra for this grand occasion. Music from Mexico to the world; World Aid for Mexico: The Impossible Orchestra shows us that in music, as in all aspects of society, we only have to transform the old models, and achieve what has never been done before

First video: The performance (Links to an external site.)

Second video: The making of the video (Links to an external site.)

YOUR TASK is to comment on each video and more importantly about your listening experience.
I want you to describe your own experience in listening to it and learning about the piece and the idea of making such a video.

The idea behind the project

We live in times of transition and change. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact around the world. Isolation and distance measures, although necessary, make us feel more divided, alone, separated from each other.

In Mexico, this crisis has particularly affected women and children, since they are the most vulnerable to the social, health, and economic effects of the pandemic. As a Mexican, a mother and a musician, Alondra de la Parra, was convinced that something had to be done, and the best way to help would be through music.

The Impossible Orchestra is born from the conviction that music has the power to unite us. No matter our origins, our nationalities or our differences, music creates a universal language of hope in difficult times.