Acapulco Philharmonic Orchestra
The Acapulco Philharmonic Orchestra (OFA) is one of the port city's most enjoyable assets. Supported entirely by a government grant, its concerts are free to the general public. Almost all the concerts are given in the 1000-seat Juan Ruiz de Alarcón Theater in the International Convention Center of Acapulco, in Costa Azul. Established in 1998, the OFA relies on 85 talented and experienced professional musicians, who provide a full and artful orchestral sound that easily rivals any other orchestra from a larger urban center.
Under the direction of Maestro Eduardo Alvarez, the OFA presents approximately 24 concerts each year in Acapulco, in addition to sixty or more concerts for children and performances in other venues. Half an hour prior to the concert, Maestro Alvarez comes out on stage to talk to the audience, in the tradition of Leonard Bernstein. He gives listening tips about the program and explains details about some of the instruments. The OFA sometimes performs baroque works, and also pieces from the classical period; however, strong suit by far is romantic music, starting with Beethoven and coming down to the modern era. The OFA also periodically plays traditional Mexican music as well as the works of contemporary composers, like George Gershwin. The romantic and popular music permits all 85 musicians to open up and play with great expression, in response to the creative leadership of their conductor, Maestro Alvarez. They also frequently invite distinguished soloists to perform with them.
To learn about the concert schedule, check the web site or call the office during normal business hours. Admission is free, and you can get in without a ticket. But tickets can be had at the business office or the Casa de Cultura in Costa Azul (on the Costera Alemán), or printed from the website. Having a ticket saves time when entering the hall, and will secure you a seat if the event will fill to capacity. In Costa Azul, the executive offices are at Plaza Bombay, Av. Cristobal Colón No. 100. Tel: 744 484-6626 or -4854.
