Our story began in 2016, in the Moria refugee camp on the island of Lesbos.
Anis Barnat, tour manager of the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela, was there as a volunteer with an organization supporting asylum seekers. During that time, he became aware of the daily challenges on the ground and when he realized the absence of consistent educational opportunities for children, he also immediately developed the idea of creating an El Sistema programme inside the camp. Grounded in his previous experience, he carried with him what El Sistema has advocated for decades: that a musical ensemble can serve as a framework for inclusion, integration, and collective expression.
Already during his third day on the island, Anis was thinking about bringing to Greece the model founded by José Antonio Abreu in Venezuela: an approach of music education rooted in ensemble practice and social cohesion, that could give a new energy to the lives of the children stranded in refugee camps.
From Anis Barnat’s initial idea, and in collaboration with Elisa Sologni who had lived in Caracas and, at the time, was supporting initiatives that provided access to musical instruments for children and youth from El Sistema Venezuela, El Sistema Greece started to take shape. Beginning in refugee and asylum seeker support settings, the team soon connected with wider needs that also existed within local communities. The program gradually expanded into neighborhoods across Athens and Corinth, offering free group music lessons and access to ensembles open to all.
Today, ten years later, El Sistema Greece continues to provide free music education to children and young people from different backgrounds and origins. Through its work, it has cultivated a vibrant music community that embraces diversity and empowers its students, developing their musical skills while fostering confidence, independent thinking, and initiative.
To mark its 10-year anniversary, El Sistema Greece presents a series of visual stories that highlight the impact of its work through the lives of the children who take part in its programs.
Impact in Numbers (2016-2026)
3,955 children and young people have taken part in El Sistema Greece’s lessons and ensembles
59 nationalities represented
13,618 hours of free music education delivered
Over 200 concerts performed
In Their Own Words: Music in Our Students’ Lives
“Through music, we build bridges between cultures.” – Viola student, 13
“I have a safe space where I can be myself, without fear of being judged.” – Cello student, 16
“Through music, I listen, express myself, think more openly, and understand others.” – Viola student, 16
“Music helped me make new friends.” – Choir student, 11
“Playing music helps me come up with new ideas.” – Trumpet student, 9
“Thank you for helping me, together with El Sistema Greece, through a hard time in my life. Even now, 8 years later, I look up to you.” – Violin student, 20
Looking Ahead
Reaching the 10-year milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter for El Sistema Greece. In the years to come, the organization aims to engage even more children, young people, parents, and communities, enriching the lives of everyone it reaches.
The anniversary visual story series captures the true impact of its work through the voices of the children themselves. Each story is a reminder that behind the music are people, relationships, and life journeys that are being transformed.
Looking ahead, El Sistema Greece aspires to create many more such stories. Stories of connection, inclusion, growth, and hope, reaching every corner of Greece and offering music, safety, and a sense of belonging to every child who needs it.
