Music bridges cultural, language and social distances

São Paulo | June 19, 2012

Julliard teatcher and Guri students

Mauricio Cruz, International Affairs Coordinator, Santa Marcelina Cultura and Cultural Affairs Officer, Danna Van Brandt

For the third year in a row, The Juilliard String Quintet finished up a busy two-weeks of classes, workshops , open rehearsals, and performances June 13-22 in São Paulo. Over 1,500  Brazilian music students from the Sao Paulo State Secretary of Culture “Guri” social inclusion music program participated in the workshops.    The group was headed by Juilliard cellist and Assistant Professor Claire Bryant, and the group conducted an intensive program of master classes at different public schools in the periphery of São Paulo in addition to the workshops.  They also presented seven recitals and concerts, including  an enthusiastically received performance with the Guri String Orchestra on June 16 at the prestigious Tuca Arena theater.  At the June 15 general rehearsal with the Guri Orchestra at the Brooklyn Guri center,  CAO Danna Van Brand  had the opportunity to greet the children and witness their delight  and animation in playing with the prestigious Juilliard Quintet in an unprecedented demonstration of the power of music to overcome social, linguistic, and cultural differences.  In addition to building musical capacity, this project aims to elevate the self esteem of the youth participants as well as the American visitors.   The Juilliard String Quintet’s visit is part of the ongoing partnership between the Sao Paulo State Secretary of Culture, Santa Marcelina Cultura,  The Juilliard School of Music, and the U.S. Consulate in São Paulo to promote music education for underprivileged public school student participants in the Guri Project.