Over 8,500 Attend HCJB World Radio's 40th Annual Quito Day Concerts

By Kenneth Chan, Thursday, December 16, 2004

HCJB World Radio's Vozandes Choir and Orchestra held its 40th annual Quito Day concerts at the Ecuadorian House of Culture in Quito Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 4-5, with more than 8,500 people attending the free performances.

The concerts—presented by HCJB World Radio and cosponsored by the Ecuadorian House of Culture, the Anderson Foundation and HCJB World Radio's Hospital Vozandes-Quito—featured traditional Christmas music along with selections to celebrate the anniversary of the founding of Quito on Dec. 6, while folkloric songs honored the city and its people.

The choir, directed by Michio Ozaki, comprised more than 70 people, including foreign missionaries, Ecuadorians and visitors. The choir also sang at three malls in Quito -- El Jardín, El Recreo and Quicentro.

This year's concerts featured guest artists including Canadian violinist Trevor Dick and his 5th String Blvd. band as well as the Symphonic Youth Orchestra of Ecuador. José "Chema" Reinoso, HCJB World Radio's associate director of the Latin America region, also presented a clear gospel message to all in attendance.

HCJB reports that every attendee received a gospel tract and was given a telephone number to call for spiritual counseling.