An Unbreakable Chain

A National Youth and Children’s Orchestras of Venezuela musician from his beginnings, Diego moved to Caracas in 2001 to continue his career. Besides studying he feeds back the work of Abreu’s orchestra system: "We have the opportunity to help, to teach lessons at many ‘núcleos’, from the poorest to those with more resources and opportunities".

As a conductor, this young man also contributes his little bit: "I have conducted the ‘Los Chorros’ Orchestra with children from the streets, and I think that is the best contribution that one can give to continue with ‘El Sistema’; to keep helping and to keep teaching what we learned years ago", he said. "This is a new link, a new chain with ‘El Sistema’. I have met many important people that I could invite to share something and I will stay here doing as much as I can for this institution. By no means will I detach from this", he assured.

Keeping in mind the importance of the master who has shaped his career, Diego says that the founder of this great social project is the foot that keeps the whole structure standing. "Abreu is the fundamental base of my career and that of all my colleagues, because without him and his creation of ‘El Sistema’, we would have never become who we are today", he asserted.

After 3 quick years of education with the baton, he made his first appearance beyond our borders with the Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela in Puerto Rico in 2008. "As a conductor all my concerts have been special, but the Casals Festival has a unique value because it was my international debut. There was a moment in particular conducting one of the singers; I passed 2 pages of the score sheet. I became really nervous, but I controlled myself. I passed the page back and there I was, right on cue, but it was the scare of my life", he remembered between giggles.