Messiah Orchestra’s Second Tour Concert in Peru

A Message of Hope and Courage Conveyed Through Music

Peru

August 12, 2024 3,704 views

The Messiah Orchestra of the Church of God has concluded a highly successful tour concert in Peru. Marking their second visit since last year’s celebration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Republic of Korea and Republic of Peru, this tour was organized to honor the 60th anniversary of the Church of God’s founding and the 203rd anniversary of Peru’s Independence. The event aimed to reinforce bilateral ties and spread messages of hope across various communities. On July 20, 40 members of the Messiah Orchestra arrived in Peru and, in collaboration with local musicians, performed a series of impactful concerts over three weeks. The tour concert received enthusiastic receptions and warm welcomes, enhancing cultural and diplomatic ties between Korea and Peru.

On the 25th, the Messiah Orchestra delivered exceptional performances at the “Medal of Honor of the Congress of the Republic of Peru” award ceremony, and on the 26th, “South American Global Hope Supporters Launching Ceremony” at Eduardo Dibos Stadium. Following these events, the orchestra officially commenced its tour concert on the 29th. The “Hope Concert in Celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the Church of God and the 203rd Anniversary of Peru’s Independence,” which was held at the Lima Municipal Theater on the 29th, attracted 700 attendees, including the Church of God General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol, Lima Governor Rosa Vázquez Cuadrado, government officials, Congress members, judges, field-grade officers, church members, and local citizens.

In his opening remarks, General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol emphasized, “This event renews our commitment to a brighter future and our mission to spread love and hope worldwide.” The former President of the Congress of Peru Jose Daniel Williams Zapata praised the church, stating, “I commend the Church of God for its exemplary practice of good deeds in line with the teachings of God the Father and God the Mother.” The event was held in a celebratory atmosphere for Peru’s Independence Day. Commemorating their historic moment together, the Church of God and Peru reinforced their cooperation and solidarity.

The Messiah Orchestra mesmerized the audience with a varied program, including Peru’s “El Condor Pasa,” Korea’s “Arirang,” Italy’s “O Sole Mio,” China’s “Mo Li Hua,” and the United States’ “Jeannie With the Light Brown Hair,” alongside classical pieces like the “Carmen Overture” and “Thunder and Lightning Polka.” The vocal ensemble further captivated the audience with performances of Peru’s beloved “Contigo Peru” and the Barcelona Olympic theme “Amigos Para Siempre,” drawing enthusiastic applause. Local and Korean members together presented a vibrant choir rendition of Peru’s national anthem, “Somos libres, seámoslo siempre” (“We are free, and will always be so”), along with a fan dance and other colorful performances, creating a visually captivating experience.

Following the performance at the Municipal Theater of Lima, local interest in the Messiah Orchestra surged. In response, the orchestra held additional concerts at various government institutions, including the Ministry of Labor, the Ministry of Health, and the Supreme Court, providing a moment of respite and rejuvenation for government and judicial officials committed to public service. The orchestra also extended its outreach to the public, hosting concerts at venues such as Jose Faustino Sanchez Carrion National University, La Molina District Office, and Mario Vargas Llosa Regional Library, where they continued to share their moving performances with the broader community.

The orchestra also organized themed concerts focused on environmental sustainability and world peace, touring various locations. On August 5, in honor of the 60th anniversary of the Church of God and the 484th anniversary of Arequipa’s founding, the concert at the Arequipa Municipal Theater featured ASEZ WAO, the Church of God Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group, delivering a message of hope for a healthier future for our planet Earth. On August 12, following a recommendation from the Minister of Culture, the concert at the National Grand Theater of Lima showed ASEZ, the Church of God University Student Volunteer Group, who called for global solidarity for peace through a presentation on their reducing crime project.

Concerts were also held at the churches in Lima and the Arequipa region. On the 11th, the “New Jerusalem, the Hope of Humanity, Symphony Concert” at the Faucett Church was broadcast live to the Church of God members across Peru, enabling them to enjoy beautiful music with their families and neighbors and create lasting memories. The Church of God and the Messiah Orchestra were lauded for bringing hope and vitality through their music, receiving medals and commendations from several local governments, including the Lima Provincial Government.

Minister of Culture Leslie Carol Urteaga Pena said, “The Messiah Orchestra’s performance has united Peru and Korea in harmony. For a sustainable world, Animo (Let’s stay strong)!” The former Prime Minister Pedro Miguel Angulo Arana noted, “Despite the challenges Peru faced leading up to our 203rd Independence Day, the event was both meaningful and inspiring, reminding us that hope prevails.” Deputy Minister of Health Herberth Ulises Cuba García added, “Hearing our beloved Peruvian songs performed in Spanish moved me to tears. I extend my gratitude and respect to the Church of God for its contributions to Peru.”

Pastor Kim Wang-hyeon of the Church of God in Faucett stated, “In the face of ongoing environmental crises, social issues, and unforeseen disasters, our communities need courage and hope.” He reaffirmed the Church of God’s commitment to intensifying its mission and volunteer efforts throughout Peru.