SYSTEMIC BENEFITS OF YOUTH MUSIC
Nicola Killean describes the vision of Sistema Scotland to tackle deep rooted inequality and foster hope by providing the opportunity for whole communities to engage with music.
Elsje Kibler-Vermaas introduces the work of the Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (YOLA), particularly in disadvantaged communities in LA.
Young musicians Aaron Soriano from YOLA and Symone Hutchison in Scotland described the joys and challenges of being part of a youth orchestra.
Elsje Kibler-Vermaas
Vice President, Learning
Los Angeles Philharmonic, USA
Culture and Education
As Vice President of Learning for the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Elsje Kibler-Vermaas oversees all LA Phil learning initiatives, including YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles) and YOLA National. Her leadership of these programs place Kibler-Vermaas at the forefront of a movement to advance positive social change through music education and empower young people from populations historically excluded from intensive instrumental and ensemble training. Prior to rejoining the LA Phil in 2017, having served as its Manager, Education earlier in her career, she led programmes at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, and the Longy School of Music of Bard College. Kibler-Vermaas is a pianist and graduate of the Utrecht Conservatory in the Netherlands.