The 25 years of the Altagraciano Concert, a musical evening of faith, culture, and Dominican identity

La Altagracia.- The twenty-fifth edition of the Gran Concierto Altagraciano in the Basilica of Our Lady of La Altagracia, paid tribute to the patron saint of the Dominican people, through the musical excellence of the National Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of maestro José Antonio Molina, and the special performance of the renowned saxophonist and Latin Grammy winner, Ed Calle. The Dominican Banco Popular and the Bishopric of the Diocese of Higüey celebrated, together with the clients of the Eastern region of the country, with this spectacular gala that brought together on stage nearly a hundred musicians who offered an immersive sound experience. The program included the interpretation of emblematic works by Dominican composers such as the "Concerto in A minor for saxophone and orchestra" by maestro Bienvenido Bustamante, and "Fantasía Merengue", by maestro Molina himself, a piece that fuses the rhythms of merengue, pambiche and typical merengue in a vibrant orchestral format. Prior to the concert, the banking entity and the Bishopric of Higüey offered their traditional cocktail in honor of the guests at the facilities of the Museo de la Altagracia “Alejandro E. Grullón E.”, where the financial organization reaffirmed its cultural and social commitment to the nation.

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During this event, Mr. Christopher Paniagua, executive president of Banco Popular, thanked the trust of clients and those related to the financial entity and highlighted the symbolic and transformative value of this institutional tradition, promoted by the banking entity for a quarter of a century.

"At Banco Popular, we firmly believe that full development is not limited to the economic sphere. Therefore, we also tirelessly promote the social and environmental development of the country. These efforts reflect our vision of a more human, supportive, and sustainable banking, where art and culture occupy a prominent place," he indicated.

In his words, the CEO of Popular referred to the recent 62nd anniversary of the banking institution, recalling the journey and sharing with those present a message of optimism for the future and commitment to this region of the Dominican Republic: "This concert also gives us the opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the Eastern region and, in particular, to the city of Higüey. Here we have accompanied families, entrepreneurs and communities, betting on sustainable tourism, innovation, education, sustainability. It's been more than six decades supporting thousands of Dominicans in their life projects." For his part, the Bishop of the Diocese of Higüey, Monsignor Jesús Castro Marte, congratulated Popular for its constant willingness and collaboration for the realization of this event, which manages to unite the spiritual with the artistic in an exemplary way. "With a deep sense of gratitude to the Banco Popular for this great initiative, we welcome you to this sacred cultural space, the Basilica of the Mother Protector of the Dominican people, a temple where the faith of generations has become prayer, history and hope," said Bishop Castro Marte. He emphasized that "as a Church and as a society, we wish to affirm with one voice that we are called to be a great family, united not by uniformity, but by consonance; not by imposition, but by communion; not by noise, but by the harmony that makes mutual respect love for the common good."
The event was attended by ecclesiastical, provincial, and governmental authorities, as well as the main executives of the bank and the Popular Group, including Messrs. Manuel E. Jiménez F., Chairman of the Board of Directors of Banco Popular Dominicano; Manuel Alejandro Grullón Hernández, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Banco Popular and Treasurer of the Board of Directors of the Fundación Museo de la Altagracia Alejandro E. Grullón E.; René Grullón, Executive President of the Popular Group; Antonia Antón de Hernández, Senior Executive Vice President of Human Management, Cultural Transformation, Credit Administration and Compliance; Juan Lehoux, Senior Executive Vice President of Technology and Operations; Luis E. Espínola, Senior Executive Vice President of National and International Business; José Mármol, Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications, Reputation and Responsible Banking of the Popular Group, among other executives.

About the Altagracia Concerts
Upon reaching its 25th edition, the Altagracia concerts have established themselves as one of the most relevant cultural events for the Dominican Republic at the beginning of each new year.

Its origins date back to 2001, when Mr. Alejandro E. Grullón E., founder of Banco Popular and a fervent devotee of Altagracia, promoted this initiative with the aim of raising awareness about the need to conserve and beautify the Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia, as an important element of national heritage and Dominican cultural identity.

These concerts usually feature the participation of the National Symphony Orchestra and invited national and international soloists, which enhance the cultural experience of each event.

Their musical programs are characterized by repertoires of classical, sacred, and symphonic music, as well as compositions by Dominican authors adapted to the symphonic format to highlight the national identity aspect.

Each year, national television channels and digital platforms broadcast the content of these concerts around January 21, the Day of Our Lady of Altagracia, as part of Popular's commitment as a socially responsible entity and catalyst for Dominican cultural development, by allowing thousands of people to enjoy high-level symphonic music from their homes for free.