Yesterday, November 4, José Antonio Abreu received The Latin Recording Academy's Trustees Award for his contribution to music through El Sistema.

According to José Antonio Abreu, this award is the fruit of the labor of a group of music professionals who have worked in concert with him for over 35 years; so he could not help sharing it with all of them and the thousands of children and young people who make up El Sistema.

In a statement made to the press, Abreu said he felt committed to all the educators who work for El Sistema, and highlighted that he will continue working because music is " (…) a fundamental cause, a victory ".

The renowned Venezuelan conductor, Eduardo Marturet; the SBYOV’s violin concertmaster, Alejandro Carreño; and violinist Verónica Balda presented José Antonio Abreu with the award.

In an interview published by AFP on November 4, maestro Abreu declared:

“The biggest prize for me is to know there will always be opportunities for underprivileged children and young people; to be able to continue working for music education in Venezuela and defending Venezuelan children’s rights to receive music education of high level."

He also expressed a wish that the prizes would make possible for other countries to know about El Sistema and consider it as a support worthy cause.

“Underprivileged children must be provided with the best music professors, instruments and facilities, and that is why we are here, struggling to rescue the nobility of the spirit of young people through music,” he added.

Abreu attended the award ceremony accompanied by other musicians who were also presented with a prize: Argentinean rock singer Charly García, Mexican artists Marco Antonio Muñiz and Juan Romero, the Peruvian singer Tania Libertad, and the Cuban percussionist Cándido Camero.