The Montréal Symphony Orchestra launched a music program for students in Montreal North.
Maestro Rafael Payare says his musical career began when he was 14 with a similar program. Inside the St-Remi Elementary School, there’s a music studio provided by the MSO called La Musique aux Enfant” and it’s where students gather after school.
Thanina Hamiche studies the Cello and really enjoys it. Four afternoons a week, students from four 4 to 16 years old can learn an instrument with friends.
The MSO’s mission is to bring classical music to everyone, says CEO Melanie La Couture.
“Studies show how important music is in the development of the brain of the kids and in social interactions, because they work as a group here,” she said.
This new MSO program is based on Venezuela’s El Sistema — a music experience that maestro and artistic director Payare says changed his life as a teen.
“I just started this wonderful, wonderful trip that hasn’t stopped. I had no idea that I wanted to become a musician, much less a conductor,” he said.
“Now, this is what my life is. It completely changed my life.”
It’s life-changing also for students like Diego Antonio, who is learning violin. He says he loves the classical sound.
Music teacher Luke Chiang says his students are loving it.
“Every day, we go to school, we pick up the kids and then they come back. You’re always so excited. You can tell that they’re tired after a long day at school, but they’re always excited to play some music via violin and cello or wind instruments,” he said.
About 600 students from schools in Montreal North will take part in El Sistema. The hope is the program will thrive and go beyond its five-year mandate.
