The Latin American Violin Academy was founded on September 16, 1991 by maestro José Antonio Abreu in order to establish in Venezuela and Latin America the successful school of violin developed by José Francisco Del Castillo in the classrooms of Venezuelan conservatories of music, universities, and El Sistema.

Since its foundation, this Academy has developed a wonderful pedagogical work; has carried out competitions, festivals and summer courses of international renown in Caracas and the interior of the country; and has brought status and prestige to its violinists in Latin America.

Internationally renowned violinists such as Aaron Rosana, Albert Markov, Ilia Seller, Yossi Zivoni, Roberto Valdez, Thomas Moore, Ivry Gitlis and Francesco Manara have been invited by the academy to teach special courses to its students.

The Latin-American Violin Academy, directed by maestro José Francisco Del Castillo, serves 65 students who study under the guidance of three professors of the highest level. Many skilled violinists have graduated from the academy; many of them have continued their studies at renowned institutions, some are working as professors in the conservatories and Núcleos of El Sistema, and many others have joined Venezuela's major orchestras.

• Director: José Francisco del Castillo
• Professors:José Francisco del Castillo, Sergio Celis, Mercedes Salazar, Víctor Vivas
• Pianist: Gioconda Vásquez
• Administrative Staff: Arelys Cásares, Silvia Serrano
• Technical Staff: Marcos Castro (luthier).

Address: Avenida Bolívar, Torre Oeste, Parque Central, Piso 1, Sala 5, Distrito Capital, Caracas, Venezuela.
Phone: (58) 212-5722409.
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