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Sistema Europe's Mission

Founded in 2012, Sistema Europe is a network for all European Sistema and Sistema-inspired organisations and individuals aspiring to carry out activities true to the principles of Venezuela’s El Sistema. Consisting of both an open Sistema Europe Network and a formally constituted Association, Sistema Europe is an open platform created in 2012 in order to connect organisations who operate in Europe under the principles of the extraordinary initiative started by Maestro José Antonio Abreu in Venezuela in 1974, applying it in its different European settings.

 

Sistema Europe wishes for all children and young people from every section of European society to reach their full potential. As part of the international Sistema movement, Sistema Europe seeks to assist the member organisations in positively transforming the lives of children, young people and their families in communities from every section of society through the practice of orchestral and vocal ensemble music-making. Our mission is to foster social inclusion and cultural development through the accessible practice of collective music education.

Latest News and Updates from Sistema Europe

Want to know more about our approach?

To get started, you can visit our Vision, Mission & Principles page, where we outline what Sistema Europe stands for. For something a little more fun, with important tips on how to make a really effective Sistema-inspired programme, download our Sistema Top Tips PowerPoint presentation. And, finally, for those who really want to get to grips with the essence of Sistema, there's the 25 minute video El Sistema - Behind the Image. Enjoy!

And, what is El Sistema's philosophy?

“An orchestra means joy, motivation, teamwork, the aspiration to success .. [and music teaches] citizenship, social awareness and an aesthetic sense of life”
- Maestro José Antonio Abreu.

For an introduction to our philosophy, try the inspirational 2009 TED Talk  by the Sistema founder, Maestro Abreu. And, if you're still left wanting more, then we can recommend Michael Uy's Oxford University paper in Music and Arts in Action, Volume 4, Issue 1.

So, what does success actually look like?

Currently, we're focusing on El Sistema Sweden, one of the most long-running and also most innovative European Sistema programmes. But, don't just take our word for it, click on the links below to see some of the amazing projects in Sweden: try out the El Sistema Play digital learning platform, get to know the Dream Orchestra, especially designed for refugees new to the country, and don't miss the wonderful annual Side-by-Side project in Gothenburg. Well done Sweden!

OK, how do I start a Sistema programme?

An excellent starting point is the very practical Sistema Logic Model by the conductor, writer and educator, Jonathan Govias.
Very soon, you'll also be able to try our Starting a Sistema: The Basics Power Point, tailored to give programmes the best possible start. In the meantime, try the resources menu on our home page or send us any questions you have via the form on our Contact Us page. Good luck!