National Grammy-winning flutist credits Martin County schoolchildren with inspiration for latest project

Though virtuoso flutist Nestor Torres has toured the country countless times, he said it was his experience in Martin County that led him to create his latest project for music education.

In the last three years that the Latin Grammy Award winner has stopped at Stuart to perform at The Lyric Theatre, Torres also has visited area schools to give music presentations and speak with local children. That interaction was a precursor to the project, titled The Nestor Torres Foundation, aimed at encouraging children to get involved in the arts.

Torres will again visit several Martin County schools leading up to his concert at The Lyric on Oct. 29. He plans to select students he meets on his visits to perform with him on stage.

"Something unique I've found about this county is that it's very supportive of the arts for young people, and that inspired me," Torres said. "I see students in Indiantown and then in Jensen Beach and other schools, and though these kids are diverse in age groups and cultures, there's a consistency in their interest for music."

At his concert, the Puerto Rico-born flutist will perform his yearly requested songs, such as his version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "Café Cubano." He also will play songs from his jazz fusion album titled, "Dances, Prayers & Meditations for Peace."