Eighth Glenn Gould Prize Laureate

2008 - Dr. JoséAntonio Abreu, Venezuela

Dr. José Antonio Abreu, the promoter, builder and founder of the National System of Young Peoples’, Children’s and Pre-school orchestras of Venezuela has been recognized internationally as a visionary. Born on May 7th, 1939 in Valera, Venezuela, he showed musical and artistic sensibilities from an early age and began studying music while he was very young. A brilliant career as a planner and economist followed, with many prominent appointments and positions. He founded the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra in 1975 and became its permanent conductor. Since then, he has devoted his life to Venezuela’s musical young people. Today, the results of his tireless labor can be seen around the world, where the Venezuelan model of musical education has been adapted in over 20 countries. Maestro Abreu has been recognized world-wide for his outstanding work and is the recipient of many prestigious international awards.