APO, Min of Culture & Heritage Announce Sistema Aotearoa

APO and Ministry for Culture & Heritage Announce Sistema Aotearoa

Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (APO) and the Ministry for Culture & Heritage are pleased to announce Sistema Aotearoa.

Sistema Aotearoa is a system of musical tuition based on El Sistema, one of the world’s most successful music and social development projects. An internationally renowned programme first introduced in Venezuela more than 35 years ago and since adopted around the world, El Sistema has been used to teach music to more than 300,000 young people. It has been credited with improving the lives of participants and their families, reducing crime, increasing school attendance rates and preventing people from turning to gangs and drugs.

The APO, with funding from the Ministry for Culture & Heritage, will manage a pilot programme based on El Sistema and sited at Otara Music Arts Centre (OMAC). Through its outreach projects such as Remix the Orchestra, the APO has strong links with OMAC, which has pledged support alongside schools, church groups and other community organisations.

Sistema Aotearoa will involve professionally trained musicians working in a community setting after school and in holidays to bring the joy and discipline of music making to children. There is no cost to participants. Pupils will learn basic musicianship and the skills of playing an instrument in a way suitable to their age.

Dr Joseph Harrop has been appointed Programme Director, Sistema Aotearoa. A New Zealand musician and educator of international standing, Dr Harrop, who gained his PhD at the Royal Academy of Music, London, joins us from University College Falmouth in the UK, where he has been Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader for Music.

“The Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra is proud to lead Sistema Aotearoa,” says APO Board Chairman Rosanne Meo. “We believe in the power of music to make a difference in people’s lives, and all over the world Sistema has shown what’s possible when committed people become involved in a programme like this.

“We were delighted at the opportunity to work with the Government to lead this initiative. Minister Chris Finlayson’s enthusiasm for the project has been crucial.

“It’s also why we’re so pleased to secure Dr Harrop to run this programme. Joe’s experience and knowledge mean he’s more than qualified to do the job, but beyond that he’s a New Zealander and an Aucklander. It was important for Sistema Aotearoa to be led by someone with a connection to the city and who understands the culture of South Auckland.”

Dr Joseph Harrop says: “This project is not just about music; it’s about social empowerment and using music as a tool to give children skills and role models they might not otherwise have access to. It’s a way of investing in the future of our community in a very creative way, and provides a template for achievement that has the potential to be applied throughout the country.”

ENDS

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