El Sistema News around the World

A few news hits from Sistema programs around the world: 

El Sistema USA has announced a new Affiliate Membership category, inviting in organizations aligned with ESUSA core values who may not meet all membership criteria or are based outside of U.S. and Canada. ESUSA has welcomed El Sistema Congo, Glendale Youth Symphony, and Sullivan County Chamber Orchestra as their first affiliate members.  

Across the Atlantic, El Sistema Greece is proud to have contributed to the successful launch of El Sistema Lebanon. ESG teacher Francis Gagliardi and Artistic Director José Ángel Salazar Marín advised the Lebanon team in developing the program based on core El Sistema principles. This is the first music for social change program we know of in Lebanon—if you know of others, please let us know! 

A special shout out goes to ESUSA member Sistema Utah, whose music programs and directors were awarded Best of State 2023. This year marks the organization’s fourth consecutive win in the “Community Music Programs” and “Performing Arts – Musical Instruments” categories.