Results tagged “El Sistema” from Program Notes

Day 3, and it's the day of Abreu. For the League delegates, getting two
bites of the Maestro is a real privilege. and what is clear from the mood
at both gatherings is the sense of possibility El Sistema offers. You can
feel orchestras swooning at the prospect of a fully-funded youth orchestra
programme, delivering on social objectives as well as musical.

Not surprisingly, Britain too has been swept by El Sistema fever. The
performance by the Simon Bolivar National Youth Orchestra of Venezuela at
last year's BBC Proms (which just happens to be this month's featured
concert on British Airways' in-flight entertainment) caused a sufficient
stir for even the politicians to take notice. Commitments have been made
to experiment with El Sistema style pilot projects in both England and
Scotland. But what is lacking is long term commitment and money. There is
a fantastic project being piloted on the Raploch estate in Scotland. But
just one year's funding has been committed. El Sistema has taken over 30
years to be integrated into every fabric of Venezuelan society. What do
the politicians and arts mandarins think can be achieved in just one year?

The other development of the day was spending time with my counterpart at
Orchestras Canada, Katherine Carleton, sharing experiences and chewing
over the problems we share. The League is a phenomenal organisation - well
funded, well resourced and capable of delivering on a range of services
for its extensive membership. In contrast, Orchestras Canada, with 48
members, and the Association of British Orchestras, with 65, have limited
capacity in terms of finance and staff. We are proud of what we achieve,
punch above our weight, but look enviously at the infrastructure you have
been able to develop here.

From a small nation to a big one, it's ta ta for now. Nixon in China
beckons - and if the review in this morning's Financial Times is anything
to go by, we are in for a treat.

posted by Mark Pemberton.