The Venezuelan National System of Youth and Children's Orchestras

El Sistema is a world-renowned national system of music education founded in Venezuela by Maestro Jose Antonio Abreu in 1975. Since its inception, El Sistema has grown into a vast network of 180 orchestra programs, or "nucleos" as they are called, throughout the country training in classical music over 350,000 children, the vast majority of whom hail from economically disadvantaged communities.

The effectiveness of this program, not only in teaching music but in transforming the lives of the children involved, has gained international acclaim for the breadth of its reach, the quality of its musicians, and the power of its influence on the young lives it touches. In recent years, El Sistema has spawned a variety of related efforts around the globe, from South America and Scotland to the Harmony Program, here in New York City. We thank our colleagues in Venezuela and Maestro Abreu for their support.

Support for the Harmony Program

Letter of support from Maestro Abreu.

Praise for El Sistema

There is nothing more important in the world of music than what is happening here in Venezuela.
-Sir Simon Rattle

I know of no other country that is doing anything like this. There can be no doubt that this will influence to raise the musical level of all Latin America.
-Daniel Barenboim

I thought I'd gone to heaven when I heard those celestial voices and orchestras. I'd never felt such intense emotion, it was so overwhelming. I cried, I couldn't help being moved to tears watching those children and young people make music.
-Placido Domingo

In the summer of 1999, during a tour of South America with the Gustav Mahler Orchestra, I had the enormous pleasure to witness a rehearsal of the Children's Symphony of Venezuela. For me, this was a unique event and one of the most beautiful experiences I've ever lived. Their musical enthusiasm and talent serve as an example to the world.
-Claudio Abbado

Photos

El Sistema students in the barrio Sarria

Gustavo Dudamel and Harmony Director, Anne Fitzgibbon

El Sistema's famous Simon Bolivar youth orchestra