Sonorous Worlds: Musical Enchantment in Venezuela

El Sistema is a Venezuelan music education program that has grown to encompass 1,210 orchestras for children and young people, reached almost 1 million people, and served as a model in more than 35 countries. Sonorous Worlds is an ethnography of young Venezuelan musicians who participate in El Sistema, focusing on how they engage with "enchantment" to create worlds that escape, rupture, and critique dominant structures of power.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 12 April 2023
Publisher: The University of Michigan Press

El Sistema is a comprehensive and extensively funded music education program that spans across the entire nation of Venezuela. Its roots can be traced back to 1975 when economist and musician JosÉ Antonio Abreu established the institution. Over the years, El Sistema has weathered seven significant changes in government, showcasing its resilience and adaptability. Notably, Hugo ChÁvez and, following his passing, president NicolÁs Maduro have embraced and incorporated El Sistema into their political agendas, harnessing the emotional power of music for their own purposes. Fueled by the oil boom in the early 2000s, El Sistema experienced remarkable growth, expanding its reach to encompass 1,210 orchestras dedicated to nurturing the musical talents of children and young individuals in Venezuela. This initiative reached nearly 1 million people, accounting for approximately 30 million citizens in the country. Furthermore, El Sistema served as a model for music education programs in more than 35 countries worldwide.

In the ethnographic study titled "Sonorous Worlds," the author delves into the lives of young Venezuelan musicians who actively participate in El Sistema. Many of these musicians reside in urban barrios, where they confront daily challenges such as gang violence, state repression, social exclusion, and forced migration. This book explores how these young individuals engage with what the author refers to as "enchantment," a concept that encompasses their creative practices and the transformative power of music. By focusing on artistic practice and enchantment, the author offers a unique perspective on the successes and failures of political projects by examining the everyday transformations experienced by people's lives.

El Sistema's impact extends beyond its musical endeavors. It has become a symbol of social inclusion and empowerment, providing opportunities for marginalized youth to develop their skills, express themselves, and build a sense of belonging. The program has not only transformed the lives of its participants but has also had a ripple effect on their communities, fostering a culture of music education and appreciation. Through its commitment to inclusivity and its ability to harness the power of music, El Sistema serves as a testament to the transformative potential of education and the arts in addressing social and political challenges.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780472039326