Representing El Sistema Texas, the young musicians Alonso Sifuentes, Jorge Gómez, and Román López had the opportunity to gain new insights at this high-level seminar held annually in the United States.

Through El Sistema Texas, three Venezuelan children had the opportunity to participate in the Ravinia National Seminar, an event that took place in Chicago from July 5 to 8, 2023.

The seminar brought together over 100 young musicians from programs inspired by El Sistema across the Americas.

From Venezuela, the young double bassists Alonso Sifuentes and Román López, along with the violinist Jorge Gómez, attended on behalf of the 150 musicians currently part of Sistema Texas, a non-profit organization that promotes the collective education and practice of music, inspired by the successful model of the National System of Children’s and Youth Orchestras of Venezuela.

Venezuelan maestro Álvaro Carrillo, the founder of Sistema Texas, expressed his satisfaction at being able to have participants at a seminar of Ravinia’s caliber for the orchestra systems that operate in the American territory.

It was a matter of pride, especially considering that it was the first musical training trip since the foundation was established, which is about to complete its first year.

It is worth mentioning that Sistema Texas was created with the purpose of providing an educational music program to promote the social and individual transformation of Hispanic immigrant children and youth, offering them the opportunity to feel welcomed and accepted in a place where their peers also speak a common language.

During the four days of the Ravinia National Seminar, the Venezuelan musicians received high-level musical training and opportunities for mentoring and networking.

The week culminated in an orchestral concert with the Chicago Philharmonic, conducted by Jonathan Rush, the director of the Chicago Sinfonietta.