Music and Faith in Florida
- LM
- Aug 26
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 26
Weaving Community from El Sistema Tampa to St. Jude in Sarasota
Sunstate Orchestral Program, also known as El Sistema Tampa, held a concert and academic presentation on Sunday, August 24, to inaugurate the activities of El Sistema St. Jude–Sarasota. This initiative marks an important step in the program’s expansion, made possible through the support of St. Jude Catholic Church in Sarasota, Florida.
Hosted at the church as the principal venue of this new project, the event commenced with remarks from Marlene Bello and Vice President Jesús Sira, representing the leadership of El Sistema Tampa. They expressed profound gratitude to Reverend Jiobani Batista and the parish community for their invaluable support in establishing this meaningful initiative, aimed at fostering cultural and social development. In their address, they also highlighted the transformative power of music and the global impact of El Sistema’s philosophy.
Sunstate Orchestral Program, inspired by Venezuela’s El Sistema, is dedicated to music education as a vehicle for social transformation and youth development. It defines itself as an “ethical project for life, hope, and transformation.” Vice President Jesús Sira emphasizes: “Nothing is as universal as music, and nothing resembles a perfect society more than an orchestra.” Among its initiatives is “Music for Refugees,” which empowers immigrant and refugee children within the community.
El Sistema St. Jude project was launched under the leadership of Dr. Francisco Díaz, President of El Sistema Tampa, together with Professor Leonardo Méndez, a member of the St. Jude community. The program proudly acknowledged the participation of faculty members Isabella Díaz, Verónica Graterol, Mariana Barrios, Samantha Sira, Samael Jaimes, Daniel Herrera, Rubén Arocha, and Rodolfo Echegaray, alongside a selection of students whose performances filled the church with pride and dedication. Their efforts mark the beginning of choral and orchestral training under El Sistema St. Jude, reaffirming the belief that music inspires faith, unity, and transformation.
This new chapter of collaboration between the two institutions seeks to advance cultural and human development, with a shared commitment to the well-being of the community.
For more information about registering for El Sistema St. Jude, please visit the following link:
