Ideas worth spreading

The El Sistema music revolution

1,175,849 views | José Antonio Abreu • TED2009

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.

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.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

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

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

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

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.