This recognition was granted during the ceremony for the first anniversary of El Sistema Texas, a project that was born in August of the year 2022, after migrating from their beloved Colombia in search of new horizons.

Colombo-Venezuelan musician Álvaro Carrillo, founder of El Sistema Texas, received recognition on Monday, July 17th, from the city of Houston, Texas, presented by its mayor, Sylvester Turner.

The mayor praised the work undertaken through this nonprofit organization in favor of Hispanic children, involving the creation of orchestras and choirs as tools for social organization and humanistic development.

This recognition was granted during the ceremony for the first anniversary of El Sistema Texas, a project that was born in August of the year 2022, aiming to instill orchestral practice. It drew inspiration from Venezuela’s El Sistema of children and youth orchestras and choirs, incorporating Hispanic children and youth to provide them access to excellent quality, productive, and enriching musical education.

Let’s recall that Maestro Álvaro Carrillo, along with his family, set out for the United States in search of new horizons, leaving behind his beloved Colombia and a legacy that allowed him to grow professionally.

He also extended opportunities to other immigrant musicians through the establishment of Fundimusicol, a Foundation for Musical Integration in Colombia, an artistic and socially oriented project aiming to improve the lives of young Colombians and Venezuelans.

It’s important to highlight that the recognition received from the city of Houston was also extended to Venezuelans Jessica Colmenares and Rhomy López for their valuable contribution to the integration, inclusion, and cultural development of children and youth in the city through orchestral and choral practice.

During his words of gratitude, Carrillo emphasized that «El Sistema Texas started as a dream; now it’s a reality that brings smiles to the faces of 180 children. Art and music are my favorite tools to impact and inspire the lives of those around me, especially those who need it the most. This is just the beginning!»

Álvaro Carrillo is a licensed musician and double bassist, a musician and producer specialized in Direction, Management, Production, and Administration of artistic, social, and cultural projects.

He was elected in November 2018 as a District Councilor for Cultural Infrastructure and Representative of Public Performing Arts Producers in the Mayor’s Office of Bogotá.

He won the 2019 Latin Grammy Award in the «Best Classical Album of the Year» category with the album «Regreso,» recorded with the New Philharmonic Orchestra as a musician and General Coordinator. He serves as a jury member for the @latingrammys due to his work in music with artists like Camilo, Kany García, and Pablo Alborán.

Likewise, he is a leader in Cultural Movements in Colombia and Latin America, including being the Cultural Director of PACUHR and founder of the Foundation for Musical Integration in Colombia. Currently, he leads cultural movements in South America, North America, and serves as the president of El Sistema Texas, based in Houston.