In Monday’s (1/3) Boston Globe, Geoff Edgers writes, “When it launched in 2009, El Sistema USA was hailed as a major coup for New England Conservatory, a chance for the school to become the national leader in spreading the revolutionary Venezuelan music education program that has changed the lives of children around the world. Just more than a year later, El Sistema USA is looking for a new home. NEC says that it will honor its commitment to El Sistema USA’s central program—the training of 50 graduate students through the 2013-2014 academic year—but cannot support the program’s plan to expand at a cost of $125,000 to $400,000 a year. That leaves El Sistema USA’s leaders looking for a new home, potentially outside Boston. … Jessica Balboni, a member of El Sistema USA’s national steering committee and the director of the League of American Orchestras’ leadership academy, believes it makes sense for the group to spread out responsibility. She understands the conservatory’s decision. ‘NEC has always had a commitment to train new leaders through the Abreu Fellows [program],’ she said. ‘It’s something very different to say, “Let’s start a national service organization.” ’ ”
Posted January 5, 2011
