Panama, Casco Antiguo
Panama, Casco Viejo
Real Estate & Community at Panama´s Historic District


Yassier was a very special kid. Ever since he joined the church band and he got hold of a saxophone, he didn´t let go. He played it like it was an extension of his arm. Completely self taught, in a few months broke the instrument from playing it too much. His home town, Chorrillo, is one of the poorest towns in Panama, and the border town to Santa Ana, Casco Antiguo. When Danilo Perez stepped into the church and asked the priest if he knew any kid with musical talents that could go to some workshops he was organizing, the priest didn´t blink at recommending Yassier. When Danilo heard him play, he went crazy. Today, Yassier is studying at the New England Conservatory, and is part of a growing group of talented Panamanian musicians that are studying abroad thanks to the Fundacion Danilo Perez.

   

As an internationally sucessful jazz pianist, Danilo´s dream was to come back to his roots and help raise the level of music education in his country, Panama. That is why he created the Panama Jazz Fest and the Danilo Perez Foundation. After six amazing years of celebrating this incredible festival, he was ready to get the school going. But, as it often happens, the key was to get an inspiring space that was close to the people he wanted to help.

It so happens that Danilo himself studied in Casco Antiguo at the old music Conservatory, which was located at Plaza Herrera.  With very few resources, this was his craddle and the place that "gave him the tools to compete outside". Tools that he is still using today when he plays in Europe or at Berkley where he teaches. When scouting for spaces, he found that the music conservatory was now owned by a developing group of the same name called Conservatorio S.A. and was now a building hosting residences for artists and scientists.  Visions where aligned.

   


Today, a historic event took place. Conservatorio S.A. agreed to donate the use of the space for 10 years to the Danilo Perez Foundation to use as a music school. Once more, the building will be filled with notes, children and art. We where lucky to witness the first performance of the first children group. It was simply amazing. Only with a couple of days practice, they where already on target drumming and dancing, working together as one under the leadership of knowledgeable international teachers. 

    

It was incredibly inspiring to see not only the young ones, but the older group, the band where Yassier was playing at was a band composed by the foundation´s fellowship students. There where guys from Colón, one of the most socially difficult places in Panama, playing the violin. Some others the saxophone, the drummer was amazing. I still have goose skin not only because of the electricity they where able to put in the air when playing together but because of the profound meaning of what was going on.

Not only these kids found the love of their life, but the opportunity to pursue it, the hope to master it and the ability to earn a living anywhere in the world.

But you would ask, why would this private developer give away prime real estate for 10 years? When interviewed about it, Keyes Hardin, manager of the company replied: we are in the business of revitalizing Casco Antiguo. As they see it, every great historic city has interesting content. And just like New Orleans or Havana in Cuba, music comes naturally to Panamanians. Hotels will soon step into Casco Antiguo´s equation, which will provide for the economic thrive for these young talents to earn a living. Everyone benefits from involving the community on its growth. 

It was a historic event indeed. Capitalism with common sense. Art and development joining hands...