In 1975 Jose Antonio Abreu founded an organization in Venezuela known as El Sistema, a national network of youth and children’s orchestras. He became its first Director.
Today, the organization has built a classical music empire involving some 100 000 young people playing in more than 150 classical music orchestras. A remarkable achievement in a poor country of some 26 million inhabitants.
The goal of El Sistema is to use music for the protection of children and young adults through training and rehabilitation to prevent crime. It has rescued tens of thousands of impoverished youngsters from drug abuse and its associated criminal environment.
This remarkable story shows just what can be done with little money but loads of enterprise. Could we emulate this supreme vision of Jose Antionio Abreu here in Israel?
Well, we’re doing something about it and everybody who reads this blogpost can contribute to its success. It costs nothing to participate, but the rewards could be highly beneficial to those in real need.
The writer is publishing a free online newsletter called Living in Harmony. It contains interesting and informative comments about classical music in Israel. It is posted bi-monthly. In the first few weeks over 100 people subscribed. There is no cost or obligation involved, but the newsletter is only sent to registered subscribers.
We have attracted the attention of some major advertisers in The United States who have indicated their willingness to advertise when our list of subscribers reaches 1000. That’s where we need your support.
The newsletter is not being built as a private venture, but will fulfill the role of a community service as it grows and gains broader recognition. As we make profits, these will be forwarded to appropriate amutot for the welfare of the community.
So, how can you help? All you need to do is subscribe to the newsletter and, in turn, invite some of your friends to subscribe. Hopefully, it won’t take long to reach the magic 1000 subscriptions with your assistance.
At the moment Living in Harmony is only published in English. As from next week it will be published in both English and Hebrew.
Please reply to Lloyd Masel for your free newsletter. Together, we can make a difference. fa******@*******et.il