El Sistema
Music in Venezuela
A few notes to Darth Vader:
We do not believe in invading other countries for oil. Been there, done that. It never goes well.
ICE makes our country more violent and dangerous. Do not send ICE into our communities. Do not murder people with impunity and deport our relatives, friends, and neighbors.
We do not believe the lies you spew from your endless gusher of falsehoods.
For a smart take down of this week’s latest atrocity—Darth Vader in Venezuela—I recommend Rebecca Solnit’s latest newsletter.
Here’s something marvelous in Venezuela—El Sistema—the system of music education and orchestras conceived of and seeded by musician, economist, humanist, politician José Antonio Abreu in 1975.
Celebrated conductor Gustavo Dudamel is a product of this musical education, as are countless other musicians around the world.
But it’s not about the music, it’s about building a community of engaged, energized young people.
Take a listen to the Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra opening for Cold Play at Wembley Stadium in London.
And here are my thoughts on “failure” and its benefits. Once again, all thanks to videographer/interviewer David Eng in New York.
Let’s stay together and raise our voices.
With love,
Martha
P.S. ICYMI, here’s my most recent newsletter/Substack, “Welcoming the new year with Jacinda Ardern.”