Alcides Rodriguez: From Wind Section To Center Stage, Maracas In Hand

Atlanta audiences know Alcides Rodriguez primarily as a clarinetist with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. But this week, he’s going from the wind section to center stage, maracas in hand.

He’ll perform the rarely heard “Concerto for Maracas,” written by fellow Venezuelan musician Ricardo Lorenz. On “City Lights,” Rodriguez told host Lois Reitzes about the style of maracas-playing particular to Venezuela and Colombia and how he learned about the unique music he’ll perform.

Rodriguez’s stature as a musician owes a great deal to El Sistema, the Venezuelan government program that provides musical training and instruments to children throughout the country, regardless of family income.