José Antonio Abreu Anselmi (May 7, 1939 – March 24, 2018)[1] was a Venezuelan orchestra conductor, pianist, economist, educator, activist, and politician best known for his association with El Sistema.

Born in the small Andean city of Valera,[2] Abreu graduated with a summa cum laude as an economist at Universidad Católica Andres Bello in Caracas.

[3] For many years, his official biography stated that he had been awarded a PhD degree in Petroleum Economics from the University of Pennsylvania, but El Sistema withdrew this claim in December 2017.

Later, he attended the Caracas Musical Declamation Academy in 1957, where he studied piano with Moisés Moleiro, organ and harpsichord with Evencio Castellanos, and composition with Vicente Emilio Sojo.

[9] It was in 1975 that he founded El Sistema,[3] formally known as the Foundation for the National Network of Youth and Children Orchestras of Venezuela.

Under Abreu's guidance, El Sistema has participated in exchange and cooperation programmes with Canada, Spain, Latin American countries and the United States.

[21] Abreu and Peter Gabriel, who also won, were presented with their awards by King Carl XVI Gustaf at a gala ceremony at the Stockholm Concert Hall on 31 August.

[25] In 2012, Abreu was awarded an Honorary Degree from Carleton University for his “outstanding contribution to the advancement of underprivileged youth through music and education”.

The Simón Bolívar String Quartet performed in honour of Dr. Abreu, joined by the OrKidstra Quintet of Ottawa's own El Sistema program.