A Paraguayan orchestra made entirely of recycled instruments from landfill waste performed an extraordinary concert at Lancaster House in London, impressing an audience of 200 dignitaries. Their remarkable journey showcases creativity, resilience, and a message of hope.
Two years ago, Lucas Cantero knew nothing about music. This 16-year-old Paraguayan recently performed in the Lancaster House in London, playing his drum made entirely of recycled waste.
"I never imagined music could come from pieces of wood and old X-rays," said Lucas, a member of the Recycled Orchestra of Cateura. This group hails from Cateura, a neighborhood in Asunción, Paraguay, situated near the city's main landfill site.
The orchestra, consisting of young residents from disadvantaged backgrounds, was invited to perform in front of 200 distinguished guests, including diplomats, parliamentarians, and entrepreneurs. The event was held in a 19th-century palace under the British Ministry of Foreign Affairs, located just 300 meters from Buckingham Palace.
Fuel drums, paint cans, fruit crates, garden hoses, and other discarded materials were transformed into violins, guitars, flutes, and more.
A Global Success Story
"Creating an orchestra with recycled instruments has attracted significant attention—not only because of the instruments themselves but also due to the talent of these young musicians who turn waste into music," explained Favio Chávez, 49, the orchestra's conductor.
Their repertoire spans from Mozart to Coldplay, including classics by The Beatles and Frank Sinatra. Since its inception in 2007, the orchestra, now composed of 60 members, has performed in 50 countries.
Chávez had the idea for the project 18 years ago while working as a waste management technician at the Cateura landfill. "As a musician, I spontaneously started teaching music to children living around the landfill," he said. The goal was to engage children in music and keep them away from violence. "It's a dangerous neighborhood where circumstances can easily lead someone down the wrong path," emphasized Lucas Cantero.
Initially, the instruments were simple and educational. "We never imagined they would be used for concerts," recalled Chávez. Over time, an orchestra and a music school were established. The local community, including the orchestra members, began crafting their own instruments.
Collaborations with Music Legends
One of the orchestra members in London, Willian Wilson López, leads the team that creates string instruments. "My double bass is made from an oil barrel, an old bed frame, and a shoe brush," he explained.
The music school now supports around 450 children, many of whom aspire to join the orchestra. "I had no prior musical knowledge," said Lucas Cantero. "I received six hours of lessons daily, and after four months, I gave my first concert. It's been two years since then."
Concert revenues help support the local population. The initiative gained global recognition in 2014 when American filmmaker Graham Townsley released a documentary titled Landfill Harmonic. This exposure led to collaborations with major metal bands like Metallica and Megadeth.
Since then, other renowned musicians have expressed interest in working with the orchestra, though Chávez remains discreet about future partnerships.
With AFP
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