It’s an amazing story about trash and what trash can do for our mankind. A Paraguayan Orchestra showed the world how trash can be turned to Musical Treasure. An unique orchestra in Paraguay is transforming trash into musical treasure. This orchestra is called “Orquesta de Instrumentos Reciclados de Cateura,” or the “Recycled Instruments Orchestra of Cateura.”
The orchestra is based in Cateura, a small town located outside of the capital city, Asuncion. Cateura is known for being located near a massive landfill that receives around 1,500 tons of waste every day. The people who live in Cateura are mostly low-income and many of them make their living by working in the landfill, sifting through the trash to find recyclable materials.
One day, a local music teacher named Favio Chavez decided to start a music program for the children of Cateura. However, he quickly realized that the community did not have the resources to purchase musical instruments. So, he came up with an idea to make instruments out of the trash that was piling up in the landfill.
Chavez and a team of volunteers began collecting old cans, pipes, and other discarded items from the landfill. They used these materials to create instruments such as violins, cellos, and guitars. The instruments were not only functional, but they also had a unique sound that made them perfect for playing traditional Paraguayan music. With the recycled instruments in hand, Chavez started teaching the children how to play music. The kids were eager to learn and quickly became skilled musicians. Eventually, the orchestra grew to include more than 30 children and adults from the community.
The orchestra has since become a global sensation, performing concerts all around the world. They have played at prestigious venues such as the United Nations headquarters in New York City and the Royal Albert Hall in London. Through the orchestra, the children of Cateura have been able to break free from the cycle of poverty and create a better life for themselves. They have learned valuable skills, gained confidence, and have become ambassadors for the importance of recycling and environmental awareness. The “Recycled Instruments Orchestra of Cateura” is an inspiring example of how creativity, passion, and innovation can transform trash into something beautiful and meaningful.
