It's common for many young musicians to join a youth orchestra for a variety of reasons: some join for performance experience that might help snag a scholarship; others for fellowship or for the sheer love of the music.
But perhaps what's not as common is performing solely for a good cause.
Most of the musicians in Camerata di Magdalena are teenagers. They’ve devoted themselves to the study and performance of music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. And also to raising funds to feed Broward County's homeless.
The ensemble, which derives its name from Saint Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church in Coral Springs, where some of the teens worship, formed nearly two years ago.
"At our first rehearsal, I don't remember which member suggested it, but someone said, 'Why don't we do this for a charity?' And we were like, 'That would be a great idea,' " says 16-year-old violinist Gabriel Esperon, who serves as the ensemble's concert master.
A church official at St. Mary Magdalene suggested the Holy Grill of St. Nicholas, a mobile food truck that feeds homeless people throughout Broward County.
Musically speaking, anyone thinking that the Camerata is just a typical teenaged band . . . well . . . we'll let the following video speak for itself:
Besides altruism, another driving force behind the Camerata is Eric Berken, the music teacher that many of the teens have in common.
"I just feel great that these kids are spending their time playing this beautiful music to help the poor," says Berken.
"I see it as a really nice, selfless thing to do," says Esperon.
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If you go:
The next performance of Camerata di Magdalena will be on Friday, April 26, 2019
7:30 pm
All Saints Episcopal Church
333 Tarpon Drive
Fort Lauderdale
954-467-6496
Tickets: $10 at the door
