“El Sistema” e il “Coro de manos blancas”. Modelli educativo-musicali tra realtà consolidate e scenari futuri

Abstract

This article provides an introduction to, and a critical discussion of, the educational model referred to as El Sistema, founded by José Antonio Abreu. In the course of over 40 years, starting from Venezuela, Abreu’s system has inspired educational programs for social change all over the world. The program, which thanks to the work of its founder has become an element of national interest, is currently managed by the Ministry for Family, Sport and Health, and has spread globally. After a short historical overview, the article discusses the primary aspects of the educational approach that forms the basis of the Venezuelan model, which today is also part of the Italian educational experience. The discussion is complemented by a preliminary examination, the first in our country, of the peculiar features of inclusive didactics in the main special education program connected to El Sistema, called Coro de Manos Blancas.