Longy School of Music of Bard College

The Sistema Side by Side Orchestra travels from Boston to honor Maestro José Antonio Abreu, founder of El Sistema, the unique program fromVenezuela that brings about social change through music and has improved the lives of hundreds of thousands of children worldwide. In Longy’s Sistema Side by Side program in Cambridge, Massachusetts, conservatory students mentor students from El Sistema–inspired programs across the state. Through joint rehearsals and performances, these young musicians deepen their musical skills, make new friends, and learn that hard work and dedication can open doors to new opportunities. Maestro Abreu will be in attendance to receive an honorary degree from Bard College.