Costa Rica Tourism and Retirement Guide
Classical Music
The Orquestra Sinfónica Nacional (National Symphony Orchestra or OSN) started modestly in 1940. Thanks to some government help the first concert was staged in December 1942. The orchestra has Costa Rican conductors until 1971 when the OSN started performing under the American conductor Gerald Brown. It is now receiving more government funding. In 1977 a million dollars is available for the purchase of musical instruments. in 1987 Erwin Hoffman takes the baton and in 2002 the Japanese conductor Chosei Komatsu takes over. The orchestra plays from April through November on Thursday and Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons. Phone 236-6669, 236-5395 or 240-6016 for information.
In 1972 the Orquesta Sinfónica Juvenil de Costa Rica was established. Phone 236-6669, 236-5395 or 240-6016 for information.
In 1974 the Coro Sinfónico Nacional ((National Symphonic Choir) started. It is a volunteer choir of about one hundred singers. Ph 236-1682 for information.
Since May 1989 Costa Rica has a youth orchestra: The Coro de Camera Surá (Sura Chamber Choir). The Choir is government sponsored and it features musicians and singers from the two State Universities. The Choir has a wide repertoire.
The Universidad Nacional, premiered a Symphony Orchestra on May 10, 2007, conducted by Dieter Lehnhoff. It also has a string quartet .
The Goethe Institute has concerts occasionally.