José Antonio Abreu Anselmi was born on May 7, 1939 in Valera,
a small city of Venezuela. A graduated with maximum honors as an economist and a
Ph.D. in Petroleum economics, Abreu has also served his country in politics. He
was a Deputy of the Congress of Venezuela in 1961, and Minister of Culture in
1983. But, besides a successful professional career, Abreu looks no different
than a normal man who had the opportunity to receive a strong education. The
truth is that his biggest achievement in life has almost nothing to do with his
professional economy background.
At the age of 18, José Antonio began his amazing music
career. Studying piano and musical composition, he studied in one of the most
recognized conservatories of Caracas. His biggest achievement is the foundation
of “El Sistema,” which is a revolutionary and innovative education method, in
which music is the main highway for social and intellectual improvement of the
human being. Essentially, his work with El Sistema consists of giving poor
children an education path, with music as its backbone. In this way, Abreu’s
masterpiece has served as a model, cooperating and exchanging knowledge with
different countries all around the world.
This innovative educational method has served not only to
make Venezuela’s music academy grow, but also to bring many other benefits to
its members individually. The social
effects are incredibly amazing. Children with poor nutrition and intellectual development
become individuals that provide benefits to society. Some of them have
recovered their lives from drugs, crimes, and vandalism, while, at the same
time, the classic music academy in Venezuela is growing with their work.
The principle that rules Abreu’s educational system
translates into: “The music is the irreplaceable instrument to get people
united.” Among his awards we can mention: the International Music prize by
UNESCO, “Principe de Asturias” award for arts, The Polar Music Price awarded by
the Royal Swedish Academy of Music, and the Latin Recording Academy's Trustees
Award (Grammy Award).
There is no doubt that “The Master” Jose Antonio Abreu is a
man of which every Venezuelan citizen is proud. His vision, persistence, and
faith, have been key aspects for the culture of Venezuela during the last 40
years.
"Music has to be recognized as an ... agent of social
development in the highest sense, because it transmits the highest values --
solidarity, harmony, mutual compassion. And it has the ability to unite an
entire community and to express sublime feelings."
José Antonio Abreu
0 comentarios:
Post a Comment