Benito Liendo and the National Orchestra System of Venezuela
Benito Liendo began his musical career in the National System of Youth and Children's Orchestras and Choirs of Venezuela, known as El Sistema, where he was admitted at a young age to the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela (OSSBV).
Under the tutelage of maestros such as José Antonio Abreu, Gustavo Dudamel, and Claudio Abbado, he trained as a cellist at the Simón Bolívar Conservatory, complementing his training with master classes from figures such as Yo-Yo Ma and Philippe Muller.
For 15 years (2002–2017), he was an active member of the OSSBV, participating in international tours, recordings for Deutsche Grammophon, and performing at venues such as Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall, and the Salzburg Festival. In addition to representing Venezuela at events such as the Los Angeles International Youth Orchestra Festival, he was one of the founders of the Latin American Youth Orchestra and contributed to the expansion of El Sistema’s educational model in Latin America. He also served on the jury of youth orchestras and developed educational projects inspired by this experience, such as his cello study method «Belicello.»
He represented Venezuela at the International Youth Orchestra Festival (Los Angeles, 2007), performing at the Walt Disney Concert Hall and other international venues.
He participated in the creation of the Latin American Youth Orchestra (2005), directed by Claudio Abbado, with musicians from more than 15 Latin American and Caribbean countries.
He participated in the expansion of the El Sistema model in Latin America with support from the IDB and the OAS, collaborating in the creation of groups in countries such as Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, and Colombia.
Concerts That Marked His Path
A small selection of iconic moments in Benito Liendo's career with the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra, in some of the world's most renowned venues.
Closing concert of the 17th Music Week, organized by the Prince and Princess of Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra
Conductor: Gustavo Dudamel.
Gustavo Dudamel conducts the Simón Bolívar Venezuelan Youth Symphony Orchestra in a concert in Spain
Venue: Príncipe Felipe Auditorium, Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
Year: October 23, 2008
Dress rehearsal for Mahler Concerto No. 8, Symphony of a Thousand
Dress Rehearsal for the Mahler Concerto No. 8, Symphony of a Thousand
Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela and the Los Angeles Philharmonic
Conductor: Gustavo Dudamel
Venue: Teresa Carreño Theater, Salas Ríos Reyna, Caracas, Venezuela
Year: February 17, 2011
Festival The Proms 2011. London, England
Orchestra: Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra
Conductor: Gustavo Dudamel
Venue: Royal Albert Hall, London, England
Date: August 5, 2011
Masterclass for children and young people from San Felipe – Yaracuy, Venezuela
Location: El Sistema Headquarters in San Felipe, Yaracuy
Year: March 4, 2020