Dr. José Antonio Abreu
Eighth Laureate of the Glenn Gould Prize
Changing young lives through transformative power of the orchestra.
Biography
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.
El Sistema Study Guide
It was with great pleasure that I received your kind letter dated February 13, 2008 stating that I’ve been awarded the prestigious Glenn Gould prize. I accept such a great distinction on behalf of all Venezuelan dedicated music teachers whom have undoubtedly and faithfully joined me for over the last 33 years in the creation, development, and implementation of the Youth and Young Adults National Network of Symphonies and Chorus. I want to let members of the jury know my profound gratitude for the above mentioned award. I want to put emphasis on my ongoing commitment and dedication towards the cause of youth and young adults. Similarly, I am very pleased to let you know that a young Venezuelan musician will accompany me to the awards ceremony to be held at a time determined by the jury. I want to take this opportunity to reiterate my thankfulness, consideration, and appreciation as well as my endless gratitude.
— Dr. José Antonio Abreu
Related
Remembering Maestro Abreu – Founder of El Sistema and Glenn Gould Prize Laureate
Instrument Presentation to Dr. José Antonio Abreu
The protégé
Gustavo Dudamel has been hailed as one of the most exciting and compelling conductors of our time. Born in 1981 in Barquisimeto, Venezuela, he began studying violin at an early age and learned conducting as a youth.
At age 18 he assumed the Music Director position of the Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra and began conducting studies with José Antonio Abreu, the Orchestra’s founder. Brought to international attention by triumphing in the inaugural Bamberger Symphoniker Gustav Mahler Conducting Competition in 2004, Dudamel has received many prestigious awards and recognition for his work. Named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 most influential people of 2009, he has been featured twice on CBS’s 60 Minutes.
Maestro Dudamel begins his tenure as Music Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic in Fall 2009, while continuing as Music Director of the Gothenburg Symphony. Perhaps best known as Music Director of the Simón Bolívar Orchestra of Venezuela, his infectious energy and exceptional artistry have made him one of the most sought-after conductors by orchestras around the world.
I’m indebted to Maestro Abreu for nominating me and to The Glenn Gould Foundation for making it all happen; but more importantly, this award stands much more for what I represent and that is this wonderful orchestra and the Sistema program from which we all have come. Glenn Gould was, of course, a musical genius and, as a pianist and musician, he has profoundly influenced my outlook on many things, including life in general. I can think of no one more deserving than Maestro Abreu to receive this important honour.
Gustavo Dudamel
The Eighth Prize Jury
Ben Heppner
Canada
Ben Heppner is recognized worldwide as the finest dramatic tenor before the public today excelling in the most challenging roles and acclaimed for his beautiful voice, intelligent musicianship and sparkling dramatic sense. His performances on the opera stage, in concert with the world’s leading orchestras, in the most prestigious recital venues, and in recordings have set new standards in his demanding repertoire. Mr. Heppner studied music at the University of British Columbia, where he first gained national attention in 1979 as the winner of the Canadian Broadcasting Company Talent Festival. He is a 1988 winner of the Metropolitan Opera auditions and is both a Grammy Award winner and a Juno Award recipient, and was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2002.
Hélène Mercier
Canada / France
Hélène Mercier began her piano studies at the age of six in Montreal, and quickly won recognition for her skill and talent. She is the recipient of many prestigious awards and has performed throughout Europe, Asia and North America. Hélène Mercier is a “Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres”.
Anthony Minghella
United Kingdom
Anthony Minghella was an Academy Award-winning British film director, playwright and screenwriter, best known for his film adaptation of Michael Ondaatje’s The English Patient (1996), which won more than 30 international awards. Working in television, script editing, writing, and as playwright, he won the recognition of his peers with many prestgious awards, and held Honorary Doctorates from the University of Hull (1998) the University of Southampton (2000) and the University of Bournemouth (2001). Mr. Minghella was appointed a CBE in 2001.
Photo credit: © Brigitte Lacombe
Janice Price
Canada
Janice Price brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the performing arts arena to her newly appointed position of CEO for Luminato. She has held a number of senior positions in the arts in Canada and the United States. Ms. Price is a past board member of the Toronto Dance Theatre and Vice President of the Shakespeare Theatre Association of America and continues to participate in the arts community as a member of the board for the International Society of Performing Arts (ISPA).
Peter Schickele
Canada
Grammy-winning Canadian pianist and entertainer, is known as much for the intimate piano touch of his best-selling Solo Piano album trilogy as for his showmanship and composition for award-winning stars. He performs and writes songs with Jarvis Cocker, Feist, and Drake, among others, and holds the Guinness world record for the longest solo concert at over 27 hours.
Paul Hoffert
United States
Dr. Paul Hoffert is Chair of the Glenn Gould Foundation (US), Chair of the Bell Fund, Chair of the Screen Composers Guild of Canada, and Fine Arts Professor at York University. He is former Chair of the Ontario Arts Council, Faculty Fellow at Harvard Law School, President of the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television, and a Director of the United Nations World Summit on Information Societies. An established jazz recording artist, television performer, off-Broadway musical author, and film composer, he has parallel achievements in science and technology and is author of several best-selling books about the Info Age. He remains an active jazz pianist and tours with his Juno Award-winning band Lighthouse. He was awarded the Order of Canada for his contributions to music and media.