El Sistema at 50: the rise and fall (and rise again?) of Venezuela’s controversial music programme

Geoff Baker
Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Former fan of the initiative and author of the book 'El Sistema: Orchestrating Venezuela’s Youth' Geoff Baker charts the Venezuelan youth music programme's turbulent reputation across recent years and explains why his own feelings towards the organisation have changed

The Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela (originally the centre of El Sistema but now no longer officially a youth orchestra as it retained its members as they aged) has travelled the globe in a 50th anniversary tour © Nohely Oliveros
The Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela (originally the centre of El Sistema but now no longer officially a youth orchestra as it retained its members as they aged) has travelled the globe in a 50th anniversary tour © Nohely Oliveros

Register now to continue reading

Don’t miss out on our dedicated coverage of the classical music world. Register today to enjoy the following benefits:

  • Unlimited access to news pages
  • Free weekly email newsletter
  • Free access to two subscriber-only articles per month
Register for free

Already registered? - Sign in here