The holiday season is fast approaching, and with it, all sorts of splendid shows to enjoy. This week our eye is on el SODRE, one of the best connections you can make here in Uruguay to get your foot in the cultural door.
SODRE stands for Servicio Oficial de Difusión Radiotelevisión y Espectaculos. It is an organization funded by the state, which is dedicated to promoting diverse music and art. El SODRE is associated with its own symphony orchestra, chamber orchestra, choir, the SODRE Ballet Company, Cine Arte, national television channels, as well as several radio stations (Uruguay 1050 AM, Babel 97.1FM, Clásica 650 AM, Emisora del Sur 94.7 FM), all of which can be streamed live on the internet through the website. Each element associated with SODRE is associated with the utmost quality and elegance. It has a long and rich history to thank for its fine service and accountability regarding arts and culture.
To start, el SODRE was the first Uruguayan radio station to broadcast soccer or fútbol from a small cabin in the historic Centenario Stadium on July 18,1930, the very day of its inauguration; from the get-go this little organization was making it’s mark. In 1931, Italian Lamberto Baldi was hired to conduct the brand new SODRE orchestra. The chamber orchestra evolved during this same period. A few years later, in 1935, the SODRE choir was established. Later the same year – the dance company.
The company suffered over the years for various reasons including a theater fire, and (in the 1970’s) a massive emigration of its dancers. However, in 1985, Margaret Graham took over direction of the company and it has only improved since, hosting international dancers, and performing with the most esteemed musicians. In 1943, the Departamento de Cine Arte, the final addition to the grand SODRE, was created. This was the first official cinemateca in the country.
These days, SODRE is responsible for some of the most spectacular presentations in the country. A few months ago the Ballet presented Giselle. The famed Julio Bocca, after his retirement from the stage a few years ago, now directs the Ballet Company of Montevideo. They perform at the brand new theater called Auditorio Adela Reta located just a few blocks from the Plaza Independencia in the Old City. I was lucky enough to see the Harlem Jubilee Singers shake the grand hall with gospel tunes not long ago. These, just a couple of the great performers who have graced the SODRE stage.
Upcoming shows include:
- Mozart y Brahms Chamber Concert—Wednesday, November 24 at 7.30 p.m.
- 75th Anniversary of SODRE Ballet Company—Tuesday, November 23 at 8 p.m.
- Brazilian singer, Djavan—Sunday, November 28th at 9 p.m.
- Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake—Friday, December 3rd through the 14th.
If you are interested in learning more, a full program guide can be found on SODRE’s website, which is easy to navigate and full of odd and interesting in-depth history of the organization. Many shows are at the Auditorio Adela Reta, but there are several venues so double check the location of your show before going, just to be sure. Happy listening! http://radio.sodreuruguay.com:9160/listen.pls
Sodre, e-mail: sodre@adinet.com.uy; website: www.sodre.gub.uy.
olauruguay 
I found this article to be very informative and well researched. I look forward to experiencing the rich assortment of cultural events El Sodre has to offer.