Orchestra members to perform benefit for effort to build new Catholic churches in Edwards, Eagle
Members of Sinfonia de Mineria will play free concert in Edwards to perform
Courtesy photo
St. Clare of Assisi church in Edwards will host orchestra members from Mexico City’s, Sinfonica de Mineria Sunday at 2 p.m. The entire orchestra is in the valley as part of the Bravo! Vail Music Festival.
The free performance will be hosted by orchestra Artistic Director Carlos Miguel Prieto and will include members of the Sinfonica’s woodwind quintet. The concert will help focus attention on the capital campaign to build a church for St. Clare and a new, larger church for St. Mary’s in Eagle.
Father Jose Maria Quera believes having the Sinfonica is a celebration for the entire community.
“This is a great opportunity for an exceptional orchestra to perform for free for so many,” Quera said. “We are excited to host and welcome our neighbors to celebrate the music. We are always welcoming many families from Mexico to celebrate mass with us throughout the year. How incredible to welcome this musical family to St. Clare.”
The performance gives St. Clare an opportunity to shine a light on its fundraising efforts to build two new churches for the Catholic community in Eagle County. The campaign just surpassed the $11 million mark with a total goal of $20 million.
Support Local Journalism
“It’s inspiring to see so many people give their time and money for the new churches,” capital campaign director Jenn Bruno said. “We are so appreciative of Maestro Carlos Miguel Prieto and the musicians. This will be a truly special day for our community. Seeing such incredible musicians in an intimate setting for free is rare. We are grateful.”
Edwards and Avon residents now attend mass in a gymnasium at the St. Clare of Assisi School. The concert will take place in the gymnasium after mass. It is a great opportunity to hear incredible music and see first-hand the need for a church. The planned new Edwards chapel will snuggle between the St. Clare of Assisi school and the Family Learning Center.
St. Mary’s in Eagle has outgrown its current historic building, and parishioners often overflow into the basement with a television feed of the mass upstairs.
“This event is very special to me because I have followed (the Sinfonia’s) music for years,”. Alba Padilla, Hispanic Community Co-Chair of the campaign said. “Their talent and passion have deeply inspired me. We are honored to have them visit St. Clare.”
The valley’s Hispanic community will add to the celebration with a pre-concert food festival featuring some of the best tacos in Eagle County. There will be al pastor, asada and barbacoa tacos available for purchase with proceeds benefitting the new churches. Refreshments will also be available for purchase including fresh watermelon juice, horchata, sodas and water.
While donations will be appreciated and accepted at the performance, the parishioners are excited to simply share a wonderful musical experience with valley residents and visitors.
“I am looking forward to seeing (the Sinfonia) at the Ford Amphitheater, but I am also excited to see them at St. Clare,” Alba Padilla said. “I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I do”.
Catholic Parishes of the Valley offers Catholic Mass at The Beaver Creek Chapel, St. Clare of Assisi, St. Mary’s, St. Patrick’s in Minturn and the Vail Interfaith Chapel. For more information about the fundraising effort, go to vailvalleychurchfund.org.
