By Margot Thomas

 VALENTINE’S DAY will have a special musical twist in Panama this year with renowned Panamanian Baritone Ricardo Velasquez  presenting “Stopping Time” a  medley of romantic ballads from the 1980’s. as the curtain raiser to  the  fifth Musicalion event at Parque Omar.

“It is an evening that seeks look at that moment of intimacy when  love is awakened. That magic moment in which a couple becomes one (...) presented  in a unique show to celebrate the day dedicated to love and friendship.” Says a Musicalion Press release.

So what are you waiting for?  Invite your Valentine to a free night out under the stars.

Velásquez will be accompanied by the  lyrical talent of the Spanish soprano and pianist Julia Cubo, and  the orchestra of Maestro Edmundo Archibold.

If you don’t get your fill of quality music on Tuesday there’s more to come with events running for five nights through Sunday  February 19.

Performances start at 7 pm, but best to plan to arrive early.

Daily from 4:00 pm the public can participate in a painting workshop and the creation of the mural "Welcome to being  a good neighbor" which will be developed in conjunction with the Sembrate  Foundation.

Ricardo Velásquez  president of the Arias  foundation, organizers of Musicalion. said    its commitment is to provide a platform for  Panamanian  performing artists seeking to strengthen the performing arts through training, education and staging of high quality works to  communicate the importance of the performing arts as a tool for social transformation

PERFORMANCES
Wed. Feb.15, - 7:00 pm. The Wizard of Oz - Musical Theater

Thu.  Feb. 16  - 7:00 pm Dragons and Legends - Concert of Soundtracks with BAHERLO

Fri. Feb. 17 - 7:00 pm. Spiritual  - Choral Night and Songs for the Soul

Sat.Feb. 18 1:00 p.m. Music Market - Craft Market and Entrepreneurship

Sat. Feb 19 3:00 pm. Rock Session - Rock Bands

 Sat.5:00 p.m. Sunset Yoga with Denise Sangüesa Live Music with Alfredo Hidrovo

Sun. Feb.19 7:00 pm Symphony Sauce

Although the shows are scheduled to start at seven pm, the organizers recommend that the public arrive early at the park,

Foundation  Aria",