At 90, the guiding force of the Symphony Foundation, Margarita Copello passed away. She is recognized for her successful efforts to create increased awareness of classic music, presentation of world-class classic music events, including the Santo Domingo Music Festival, and the creating of better working conditions for classical musicians.
She was born in Santiago de los Caballeros, daughter of Anselmo Copello, Italian-Dominican, and Argentina de Soto, Dominican, on 21 October 1931. She married Pedro Rodríguez Villacañas, a Spaniard, in 1954, with whom she had six children: Pedro Anselmo, Margarita Eulalia, José Antonio, Juan Carlos, Marisol and María Teresa.
In 1986, the National Symphony Orchestra was going through a serious financial crisis that threatened its existence. The then director of the Symphony, Maestro Carlos Piantini, turned to Don Pedro Rodriguez, who brought together an important group of music-loving personalities to create the Fundación Sinfonía, Inc. He motivated his wife and she would lead the initiative to achieve its objectives. At the time of her death, she was honorary president.
With the support of an active board of directors, the Ministry of Culture and the generous financial support of leading local companies, embassies and institutions in the country, Sinfonía has made a major difference. It has a tradition of presenting classical concerts of very high level with soloists, conductors and artists of international fame, who alternate with the most distinguished national classical artists and members of the National Symphony Orchestra.
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El Caribe
23 July 2021