National Youth Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela

The National Youth Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela (NYSOV) is composed of talented musicians aged 14 to 19 and features a continually evolving roster. Conceived by Maestro José Antonio Abreu as a flagship ensemble to showcase the collective achievements of El Sistema, the orchestra’s inaugural generation made its debut on April 30, 1975. Since then, successive generations of the nation’s most gifted young musicians have been selected to carry forward this legacy. In 2025, a new generation was convened to commemorate the 50th anniversary of El Sistema.

Over the decades, the NYSOV has been conducted by many of the world’s most esteemed maestros, including Claudio Abbado, Sir Simon Rattle, Daniel Barenboim, Lorin Maazel, and Krzysztof Penderecki. Its alumni include internationally acclaimed artists such as Gustavo Dudamel, Christian Vásquez, Diego Matheuz, and Edicson Ruiz. Many others have pursued diverse professional paths, continuing to embody the values instilled by El Sistema.

Musicians of the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela play a key role in mentoring the NYSOV, sharing their expertise through sectionals, workshops, and rehearsals. This process reflects El Sistema’s commitment to rigorous artistic, social, and pedagogical principles, with the goal of cultivating the highest musical standards.

Half a century since its founding, El Sistema has expanded to more than 70 countries, reaching over 1.3 million children and young people worldwide. It remains a global model for inclusion and social transformation, grounded in a culture of merit, effort, perseverance, and discipline.