“The visit of Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quintet lifted spirit of children in Soma – The city struck by Tsunami.”  

On September 22^nd 2013, the world renowned Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quintet has visited children in Soma city for charity concert.  Not only they astonished audience with their music in harmony but also gave an opportunity for children to play along with Quintet!

"So nice to have a chance to hear the sounds of French Horn and Bassoon which are not commonly seen. I was allured to their beautiful harmony, so, I hope to do the same with our strings ensemble! Simply their music was so wonderful. I wish we could have this great opportunity again."  Sara Onoda Grade 6 from Ono Primary School has made her comment with a bright smile.  Many other children in Soma were encouraged by their visit and overjoyed with their music.

It has been 1,000 days since East Japan Great Earthquake of March 2011, and the environment children live in is still harsh; activities outside is restricted due to radiation. However, thanks to GlobalGiving donors we are able to support children through music activities.

Music itself can heal children, furthermore, we believe that through our El Sistema inspired lessons learned in group activities, children can take pride and gain confidence in themselves with lively attitude, which are benefits that can spread beyond the classroom to parents and the community, resulting in positive social change in Soma. In other words, the children you are supporting will become a pillar of community, a pillar of reconstruction of Fukushima.

We are determined to expand our program to assist more children in changing lives through music.  Your continuous support and attention would be immeasurably appreciated!

“I am different from what I used to be, and I am proud of myself” - Marina, Grade 7 says. Through El Sistema program, many children gain music skills and a lot more.

"I've never had this kind of learning opportunity. Teachers from Venezuela were so helpful to making me understand how to solve the problems which I had encountered. I really feel I am better at playing violin than ever before. Well, I am surely different from what I used to be and I am now proud of myself. I will do my best as a concert mistress to lead my fellow orchestra members."

With a bright smile, Marina, Grade 7, gave us this comment just after their final performance at our summer intensive session. She used to be a tutti position at the first violin section, so, has drastically gained her confidence as a musician.  Congratulations to her for leading 90 members of the orchestra at our summer class final day concert held on Aug. 10^th 2013.  

Every time we receive such positive comments from children filled with joy, we cannot help thanking donors and supporters of our program.

Since East Japan Great Earthquake of March 2011, 4000 children in Soma-city of Fukushima, have suffered traumatic stress caused by earthquake and Tsunami as well as the subsequent nuclear accidents. Although the radiation dose is relatively low in Soma, their daily activities are still restricted.

Music itself can heal children, furthermore, we believe that through our El Sistema inspired lessons learned in group activities, children can take pride and gain confidence in themselves with lively attitude, which are benefits that can spread beyond the classroom to parents and the community, resulting in positive social change in Soma. In another words, the children you are supporting will become a pillar of community, a pillar of reconstruction of Fukushima.

We are determined to expand our program to assist more children in changing lives through music. Your continuous support and attention would be immeasurably appreciated.