The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra’s ASO Sympatico program is transforming lives through the power of music. Inspired by El Sistema, the groundbreaking Venezuelan music education movement created to foster social change through ensemble learning, Sympatico provides free, high-quality music instruction to students in Alexandria City Public Schools. Since its launch in 2013, the program has grown into a vibrant educational initiative serving hundreds of students through percussion, strings, chorus, and Orff-inspired ensembles. Rooted in the belief that music can build confidence, discipline, creativity, and community, Sympatico brings together children from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds and gives them a place to thrive both artistically and personally.

A longtime advocate for the program, Ellis Duncan has played an important role through the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra Educational Committee in helping organize performances, community partnerships, and outreach efforts that connect young musicians with audiences across Alexandria. Reflecting on the impact of the initiative, Duncan shared, “The system started as a way to change opportunity, not to create more musicians, but to create social change.” His words capture the heart of Sympatico’s mission: using music not only as an artistic outlet, but as a pathway to confidence, opportunity, and connection for Alexandria’s youth.