National Seminario Ravinia: Orchestras for All

Major news for the North American field: a new national gathering for both students and teachers will launch this summer, welcoming over 100 young musicians from El Sistema-inspired programs across the continent. Hosted by Ravinia’s Reach Teach Play education programs and the Chicago Philharmonic, National Seminario Ravinia will take place from July 5–8, 2023 in Highland Park, Illinois, providing students with high-level music training and opportunities for mentorship and connection. The week will culminate in a side-by-side orchestral concert performed with the Chicago Philharmonic under Chicago Sinfonietta Director Jonathan Rush. There is no audition process; all middle school and high school orchestral students involved in an El Sistema-inspired organization and proficient in the Seminario’s repertoire are eligible for nomination. An organization can nominate up to ten students through this Google form, with priority given to students who would not otherwise have access to opportunities like these. The Seminario is covering student travel costs as well as local ground transportation, food, and lodging for participating students. Teachers and administrators, get your nominations in quickly; the deadline to apply is February 20 at 11:59 p.m. CST.

Throughout the Seminario, Ravinia will also offer professional development workshops for teaching artists and administrators in partnership with El Sistema USA. (Speaking of which, have you registered for ESUSA’s National Symposium yet?)