May 28, 2007
United Kingdom to copy model of Venezuela's Youth Orchestra
Published by El Universal
By Ana María Hernández

"Great Britain's Cultural Minister, David Lammy visited Venezuela to establish intercultural agreements between both countries and especially to observe and know at first hand the experience of the Foundation of the Youth Symphony Orchestras (Fesnojiv) with the aim to do the same in Great Britain.

Lammy's meeting with the press started by introducing himself and the objective of his visit: Son of immigrants from Guyana; the idea of this official visit is to strengthen the cultural ties with Venezuela and with Fesnojiv. Venezuela is of great importance to the United Kingdom.

He chose Fesnojiv because of 'its musical excellence and social inclusion and is an example to the whole world. There is no other system like this in the world. Not only do we want to see it but also to replicate it and make it work.'

Lammy and his team visited one of the musical schools headed by José Antonio Abreu and from where the famous musical Director Gustavo Dudamel emerged.

'I am here because on one occasion, after a concert, I had the opportunity to have dinner with Dudamel who gave me a DVD on Fesnojiv. I promised him that I would visit Venezuela.'

Lammy was surprised to see how music can play a big part in social work and he compared himself to Dudamel in the sense that both are young, the musician 26 years and he 34, both from similar background.

More beyond the anecdote, the Minister reminiscence briefly the road of relations between both countries, and he highlighted that Simon Bolivar was the first Ambassador of Venezuela in the United Kingdom in 1810. Two years from now we will be commemorating 200 years of this happening.

Within the British context, two weeks ago a delegation from the Scottish Arts Counsel, made up by Maggie Cunningham and Nocla Killean, who are in charge of linking institutions on a national level - with the intention of forming a model like Fesnojiv with the poorer outskirts of Scotland

Lammy, apart from holding conversations with his counterpart, Francisco Sesto, he visited the Museum of Contemporary Art and praised not only the Picassos but the impressionist collection.

Mr Lammy expressed: 'These are internationally known pieces; it was fascinating to be here. I came to realize that there is a commitment with the community, and culture is for the people.'

He said that in his country there are some experiences that can be compared to what Fesnojiv does in Venezuela.

This visit comes in an opportune moment; in my country the 8 national orchestras for the first time have joined together to help the young people. This way the Government is more committed to this cause and has allocated more funds toward musical education.

Referring to if there are any concrete plans on this matter between Venezuelan and United Kingdom , he said that both Cultural Ministers have decided to establish and strengthen the exchange.

Other meetings were held with the Vce Chancellor for Europe Rodrigo Oswaldo Chaves Samudio, 'to be more conscience about our history in common'.

Lammy feels that based on the meetings he has had with the representatives of the National Executive he has a clearer view of what can be obtained from a cultural exchange between both countries".