The project was unveiled in Edinburgh today, with special guest Maestro Jose Antonio Abreu, founder of the Fundación del Estado para el Sistema de Orquesta Juvenil e Infantil de Venezuela (FESNOJIV). The ‘El Sistema’ programme which was founded by Maestro Abreu in Caracas, Venezuela 30 years ago, works with children and young people using orchestral music tuition.
In Scotland, the first pilot will begin in the Raploch area of Stirling early next year. Richard Holloway, Chairman of the new Project Board said: ‘I’m delighted that we are able to welcome such a distinguished guest to our launch today. Maestro Abreu is the inspiration for our work in Scotland, he has created a magnificent system there which we aim to emulate here. I look forward to one day welcoming Maestro Abreu to a performance of a Scottish orchestra!’
Venezuela in Scotland launches today
Scottish Arts Council,
17 August 2007, Scotland