la cantata criolla

This album was recorded as part of Vive El Sistema Fest – Primera Sinfonía, at a concert held on Sunday, April 27, 2025, in the Aula Magna of the Central University of Venezuela, to pay tribute to three outstanding Venezuelan composers of the 20th century (Antonio Estévez, Inocente Carreño, and Evencio Castellanos), all of whom were teachers, friends, and key figures in the life of Maestro José Antonio Abreu and, therefore, spiritual pillars of El Sistema. (Antonio Estévez, Inocente Carreño, and Evencio Castellanos), all of whom were mentors, friends, and fundamental figures in the life of Maestro José Antonio Abreu and, therefore, spiritual pillars of El Sistema.

This is the first El Sistema album to be recorded live.

It incorporates three iconic works from El Sistema's first 50 years: Cantata Criolla by Antonio Estévez, La Margariteña by Inocente Carreño, and Santa Cruz de Pacairigua by Evencio Castellanos.

More than 280 musicians were on stage during that recording: 126 from the OSSBV, 100 from the Simón Bolívar National Choir, 2 soloists, and 60 members of the Manos Blancas Choir.

The central work, Cantata Criolla, is considered Venezuela's most emblematic symphonic-choral composition. Inspired by the songs, myths, and rhythms of the plains, it represents a profound vision of Venezuelan identity: heroic, mystical, collective.
The Cantata Criolla was premiered in 1955 at the National Theater in Caracas, with the participation of the National Symphony Orchestra, the National Choir, the National Ballet, and the National Children's Choir.

The Cantata Criolla, which had fallen out of favor, was rescued and returned to the repertoire of national composers by Maestro Abreu himself, who recognized it as one of the highest expressions of the Latin American spirit. This performance was an experience of profound musical and human integration, where voices and hands came together to express the soul of a country that sings from the depths of its identity.

The Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela and the Simón Bolívar National Choir have been nominated three times for Latin Grammys (2022, 2023, and 2024) and won their first award in 2023 for Four Elements Immersive Symphony for Orchestra and Chorus.