By Raegan Scharfetter/managing editor

The prestigious Teatro Colon of Buenos Aires, Argentina, invited South music professor Oscar Dressler to perform as a soloist and accompanist Sept. 4.

The concert was organized by the Argentine Confederation and Association of Evangelical Churches to celebrate the upcoming 500th anniversary of the Reformation.

Dressler was asked to perform concert arrangements of traditional Christian hymns for the piano and also accompany the congregational singing of traditional hymns for the 160-voice choir of selected church members from Buenos Aires.

The experience was a unique challenge that was successfully met, he said.

“It was an amazing opportunity that was given to me to contribute to the celebration of a historical event as the Reformation in the history of mankind,” he said. “Being able to perform in one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world was a most unique experience filled with sentiments of joy and satisfaction.”

The president of Argentina, Mauricio Macri, and the Argentine Council for Religious Liberty president Raul Scialabba welcomed Dressler to Buenos Aires.

“It was an awesome experience being welcomed by the president of Argentina,” he said. “The fact that the president of the country chose to enhance this event with his presence has given a loud voice of support and recognition for what this branch of the Christian faith does in Argentina for the citizens.”

Dressler said he would return to Argentina without hesitation. He is looking forward to more opportunities like this.

“I am looking forward to more opportunities like this that will allow me to grow more not only as a concert pianist but also as a professional educator,” he said. “Music is a unifying element. It does connect people of all beliefs, races and backgrounds. Music does bring and give to us a unique opportunity to become better persons.”