Belize National Orchestra Marks First Year 

The Belize National Orchestra marked its first anniversary with a concert celebrating the country’s musical diversity and the talent of its musicians on Friday night.

The anniversary performance was held at the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts. According to the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), the show was one that “brought together the sounds, rhythms and traditions that make our culture uniquely ours.”

Founding Director and Principal Arranger Carlos Perrote led the orchestra, which has developed a fusion that moves beyond the traditional Western orchestra model by incorporating Belizean instruments and rhythms into its arrangements. 

NICH described the anniversary as a milestone for the national ensemble, saying the performance demonstrated both the talent of Belizean musicians and the ability of music to bring people together. Meanwhile, one concertgoer described it as “a great show.” 

The Belize National Orchestra is supported by the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Culture, NICH and the National Celebrations Commission.