José Abreu, Venezuelan Conductor Who Envisioned Musical Education For All, Dead At 78
Abreu began El Sistema in 1975 with fewer than a dozen students — 40 years later, his system has been used throughout the world to unite children through musical education.
José Abreu, the Venezuelan musician, economist and educator who created the acclaimed network of youth orchestras known as El Sistema, died Saturday at age 78. Abreu's death was announced by El Universal, the Caracas-based newspaper run by his brother Jesus Abreu. The country is observing three days of national mourning.
