Venezuelan conductor attacks ‘injustice, systematic torture, atrocities’

Carlos Izcaray studied in El Sistema from the age of three, completing his music education in the US. For three years, he was conductor of the Mozarteum-Caracas Chamber Orchestra. Today, he is based in Berlin. Carlos has asked us to circulate his appeal below for an end to government-sponsored violence in his home country.

To my friends and colleagues from the music world, both from Venezuela

and all around the globe.

Through this medium I’d like to call on all of you to unite, with

instruments in hand, to repudiate and strongly manifest against the

rampant violence and human rights violations that are currently being

perpetrated by the Venezuelan government on its own citizenry. Lets

render our tribute of support to those who have exposed and given

their lives whilst defending our Liberty. This basic right of all free

people has now been unequivocally sequestered by a despotic and

tyrannical Government, one that wishes to lead through fear,

intimidation, and violence.

This special event, which we have titled CONCERT FOR THE LIBERTY OF

VENEZUELA, and that will take place in Berlin, Germany, will serve as

our protest and condemnation of the barbarities that our people are

being subjected to, specially those calling for the restoration of

Democracy and its basic rights. We will also articulate a strong

message to the whole world, not just with our art, but also with our

ideas and reigning civic spirit.

We find ourselves in a profound cycle of sadness and frustration,

terrorized by the images and stories that reach us from our homeland.

Therefore, as a Venezuelan, I feel it is my civil obligation to share

the numerous stories of atrocities and abuses that a nation claiming

for its freedom is being subjected to. Venezuela has been erased from

the democratic landscape by a wave of shortages, censure of the press,

violence, and a polarizing message by a dictatorship that must now be

openly exposed.

I have personally survived and witnessed the injustices, systematical

tortures, humiliations, and other attempts against humanity that this

regime continues to inflict on our youth. For this reason, and without

the ability to stomach any more of this cruel violence, I commit

myself fully to this event, while also shouting “Enough is

enough!”

It is important to clarify that our intention is to remain

pluralistic, peaceful, and open to all. No one is obligated to attend,

but I will certainly be there. For this cause, I’m even willing to

go it alone in the company of my cello and a full set of empty stands

and chairs. Naturally, though, the stage remains open to all who

believe in these ideals and wish to participate.

The Facebook group CONCIERTO PARA LA LIBERTAD FE VENEZUELA has been

created exclusively to consolidate all the different criteria, and

specially to provide a medium through which we can face the logistical

challenges ahead. As professionals, it is important to point out that

we must totally abstain from publishing destructive criticisms and/or

out of place comments in the site. It is also imperative that we

transmit a message of unity and civil courage, which our country

desperately needs.

We all do what we do for a reason, and what a blessing to know that in

epic moments of history such as these we can bravely contribute and

fight for that sacrosanct right which is OUR Liberty. I’d also like

to invite the whole Venezuelan and world community to help us with

this endeavor. Every grain is worth gold.

Just as Venezuela itself, the program is still to be determined,

depending on our own collective effort and summoning power. Together,

we can help our own and make history!

Anybody willing to help? Please sign up!

Carlos Izcaray