From February 23 to March 23, the National Children’s Orchestra of Venezuela will hold auditions for new members with the aim of reactivating this worldwide famous ensemble.

About 300 children in school age (up to 15 years) from El Sistema’s nationwide núcleos will be selected to join the National Children’s Orchestra of Venezuela. Many great Venezuelan musicians have been produced by this ensemble formed 15 years ago.

The National Children’s Orchestra gained international recognition during its performance at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. in 1995. The work of El Sistema was internationally known through the artistry of its members.

Professor Rubén Cova, coordinator of this project, explained that the standard of the musicians has improved over the years, and therefore the expectations are higher.

The National Children’s Orchestra will hold four general rehearsals this year. One of them will probably take place between May and June with the renowned conductor Simon Rattle.

Kids taking part in the audition will be asked to play Tchaikovsky’s Francesca de Remini and Overture 1812, Gustav Holst’s The Planets, and Shostakovich Symphony Nº 9.

Rubén Cova, who was in charge of selecting the members of the National Children’s Orchestra who are currently members of the SBYOV, commented the following about the auditions: “…in 1995, what used to be a challenge is now a norm”. I mean, the standard of the musicians has improved, and music has taken over the remotest place of the country thanks to the work carried out by the system of orchestras led by José Antonio Abreu.

The National Children’s Orchestra provides children with the opportunity to be seen and listened to. It is the beginning of a career in music.