Beirut Chants El-Sistema, launched in 2022 introduced, for the first time in Lebanon, the world-famous El-Sistema music instruction program which targets youth from marginalized communities, originally in the barrios and slum areas of Venezuela in 1975 and has since mushroomed worldwide, for the youth to develop their music skills in the belief that this method leads to “social change” both individually and collectively.

Youth between the ages of 8 and 15 from across Lebanon practice weekly and have developed a repertoire of over 20 music pieces over the life of the project.  Over 80 rehearsals were held, and 12 concerts took place across Lebanon.

The El-Sistema program in Lebanon offers free music instruction, free transportation and meals and group instruction and became a lifeline for many aspiring students and their concerned parents hoping to continue their children’s music development.  Highlights of the first year were to perform in concert with the world-famous Black Alley Band in May and a special concert held overlooking Beirut Port in memory of the victims of the August 4th explosion which was broadcast on National Television.

In its second year 2023-2024, Beirut Chants El Sistema  is “On Wheels” took over 80 member El-Sistema orchestra and teachers on the road throughout Lebanon.  The visits were to Deir el-Qamar, Anfeh, Anjar, Tripoli, Douma, Becharreh, Burj Hammoud, Byblos, Cornet Chehwan and Downtown Beirut.  This project brings the music and the El-Sistema message to the people instead of bringing people to the music.

Spreading Citizenship, togetherness and unity of purpose through music education are the unifying ideals of this project to integrate all segments of society for the benefit of a common good and to create a better future.  After all, the motto of El-Sistema is: “Music for cultural change”.