2 chances to see the Mid-Columbia Symphony perform with visiting Mexican musicians

The Mid-Columbia Symphony is teaming up with musicians from Colima, Mexico, for an evening of music at the Pasco Farmers Market on Saturday, Sept. 24.

The free concert starts at 6 p.m. at the newly renovated downtown market area. The farmers market will run that morning, from 8 a.m. to noon, then organizers will begin setting up for the performance.

The symphony performance is the first of its kind for the market, said Mike Gonzalez, the city of Pasco’s economic development manager.

More than 75 musicians will play that night.

“The concert is going to be an incredible day in Pasco,” he said in a news release.

The musicians also plan a full rehearsal Friday. It’ll take place 5-7 p.m. at the Farmers Market, and will also be free.

The concert is being supported by the Colima Pasco Friendship and Collaboration Association (COPA), which has been at the forefront of developing economic relations with the city of Colima.

“We have a tremendous amount of our residents who have ties to Colima,” Gonzalez said. “When you consider more than 50% of our population is Latino and nearly 40% have ties to Colima, that’s a huge opportunity to develop this relationships to its fullest extent.”

“We are proud of that connection and want to leverage that relationship for better trade relations, educational ties and good will,” he said.

Gonzalez said the concert also will show Hispanic students the wonders of symphony orchestra music — something they may not often get the chance to hear.

The concert’s genesis starts with Jose Iniguez, a trained opera singer. The COVID pandemic interrupted plans for him to perform in concert at Volunteer Park in Pasco.

Now, with the support of the city and COPA board members, as well as a change in venue, his plans are back on track.

“I wanted to bring something to Pasco that hasn’t been done before,” he said in a release. “I’m proud of this community and we thank the city for their support.”

Gonzalez said the concert also serve as the culminating event for four delegates from Colima, Mexico, who will be visiting Pasco over three days. The group will explore the Tri-Cities’ economic development, education and the arts.

Pasco Mayor Blanche Barajas will lead the group as the city’s liaison.