Ideas change everything

The El Sistema music revolution

1,200,405 plays|

José Antonio Abreu |

TED2009

• February 2009

José Antonio Abreu is the charismatic founder of a youth orchestra system that has transformed thousands of kids' lives in Venezuela. He shares his amazing story and unveils a TED Prize wish that could have a big impact in the US and beyond.

Want to use TED Talks in your organization?

Want to use TED Talks in your organization?

José Antonio Abreu is the charismatic founder of a youth orchestra system that has transformed thousands of kids' lives in Venezuela. He shares his amazing story and unveils a TED Prize wish that could have a big impact in the US and beyond.

Want to use TED Talks in your organization?

This talk was presented at an official TED conference.

Read our curation guidelines.

Find out more about El Sistema, the network of youth orchestras, choirs and music centers that reaches more than 750,000 young musicians in Venezuela.

About the speaker

José Antonio Abreu

See speaker profile

José Antonio Abreu founded El Sistema in 1975 to help Venezuelan kids learn to play musical instruments and be part of an orchestra. The TED Prize winner's bold idea has seeded hundreds of youth orchestras -- and many happy lives.

Learn more

José Abreu brings classical music to at-risk youth

"I wish you would help create a training program for gifted young musicians passionate for social justice, dedicated to developing El Sistema in other countries."

How 50 music teachers are creating 5,000 musician-citizens across the US

Read more about the stories of the 50 musicians José Antonio Abreu trained to start youth orchestras in their community.

null - How 50 music teachers are creating 5,000 musician-citizens across the US

This talk was presented at an official TED conference.

Read our curation guidelines.

Find out more about El Sistema, the network of youth orchestras, choirs and music centers that reaches more than 750,000 young musicians in Venezuela.