Panama’s National Concert Association a major cultural stalwart  is shutting down at the end of the year in which a Ministry of Culture was created.

Rafael Moscarella, president of the Association announced that as it has not been possible to obtain funds to continue operating, it will suspend work at the end of 2019.

He stressed that it was increasingly difficult for them to obtain donations, both private and state. In fact, they requested a meeting with the new authorities of the  Ministry of and have not yet received an answer.

Activists and cultural advocates described this closure as a "setback" for Panamanian culture.

'

The organization, which for 57 years carried out a valuable task for the benefit of the musical culture of Panama, sent a note to its associates, donors, and supporters informing  them that after several years making “all efforts” to continue With the programs it has not been possible to obtain the funds to continue operating,

The non-profit organization operated, the well-known International Concert Season, the association's flagship program, which made 366 presentations that included orchestras, chamber music, recitals, and even ballet and opera.

He also developed, for 34 years, the Youth Musical Camp program,  providing training to young Panamanian musicians between 7 and 25 years of age..