Fifty years ago, in the barrios of Venezuela, El-Sistema was born. It offered marginalized youth a path away from violence and despair by immersing those less fortunate in the transformative power of music. Its innovative model, where group learning replaces traditional one-on-one lessons, and where more advanced students support and guide the less experienced, El-Sistema has grown into a global movement of profound educational and social impact.

Two and a half years ago, Beirut Chants embraced this vision, launching Beirut Chants El-Sistema to provide free group music instruction to Lebanese youth. Most of our teachers are themselves young musicians, creating a powerful cycle of mentorship and growth. The results are nothing short of remarkable as many of our young performers had never sung or played an instrument before joining us. They come together every Saturday from across Lebanon, and we have already performed more than 17 concerts nationwide notably in Tripoli, Anjar, Saida, Becharreh, Douma, Deir El-Kamar and many more.

We are proud that our youth will  appear in the 18th season of the Beirut Chants Festival this December—for the third consecutive year. As the educational arm of Beirut Chants,  we strive to nurture homegrown talent and enrich the festival’s legacy with the voices and instruments of Lebanon’s next generation.

Over the past two years, we have been privileged to partner with UNESCO to promote social cohesion—bringing together young people from diverse communities and strengthening resilience in conflict-affected areas through the healing power of music and art.

The motto of El-Sistema is simple yet profound: “Music for Social Change.” How deeply honored we are to live that motto and to share with you the extraordinary promise of our youth.

As in all our concerts, we dedicate this evening to the lasting memory of Dr. Fatma Aleem, a pioneering doctor and humanitarian from Egypt. May she rest in Peace.