Bolivia Clasica is a non-profit foundation empowering young people from all backgrounds through transformative arts education. We forge alliances with world-class artists and organizations around the world, and produce performing arts festivals that celebrate excellence and foster a thriving cultural community across Bolivia and beyond.
Bolivia Clasica has established an inventory of hundreds of instruments, including a brand new grand piano, facilitating access to an abundance of students and visiting musicians. Dozens of guest artists from around the world have come to Bolivia to perform and coach over the years, establishing strong ties with local students and teachers, and a whole generation of bright talents has been allowed to shine. The Bolivia Clásica Chamber Orchestra, created and directed by Armando Vera, is the ultimate example of the best of Bolivian talent working together and achieving excellence.
The local musical and administrative team has been at the core of the BC operation; their dedication and guidance in the field have been invaluable and continue to evolve. Our scope has broadened as we grow; in addition to focusing on individual teaching, Bolivia Clásica has introduced orchestral programs where teaching happens en masse, creating a breeding ground for emerging talents which might otherwise remain dormant. By placing emphasis on collaborative efforts, we can bring added value to existing social and educational projects which have sought out our support.
We have established an ever expanding, diverse network of professional collaborators and supporters, with a dedicated 501c3 in the United States, a registered charity in the U.K. as well as the Fundación Bolivia Clásica in Bolivia. Fundraising efforts have resulted in unprecedented support from both the public and the private sector, with most of the funds raised in Bolivia. Ever grateful to our generous sponsors, we continue to explore ways to guarantee sustainability in the longer term.
Our flagship youth orchestra has become an example of what it is possible to achieve given the necessary tools and opportunities.
Our ethos
– Teaching Values: Music education offers a unique opportunity to connect core values with creativity, passion, and emotion. Numerous studies have demonstrated that music education fosters discipline, self-esteem, teamwork, responsibility, creativity, and a strong desire for self-improvement. The pursuit of musical excellence builds a solid foundation for integrity and a strong work ethic—emphasizing doing over having, and being over appearing. Musical training also cultivates healthy, thoughtful attitudes, positively influencing all other aspects of life.
– Awakening Passion: It is imperative to expand culture in society because it provides spiritual and intellectual nourishment, and we must instil a love and passion for the arts across all social strata. Without their cultural centres, meeting places, or places of congregation, cities are dead entities. Today, many nations consider culture a human right; by achieving excellence in a particular language, we come to appreciate all other languages and cultures more. Passion is awakened when children or young people observe the results of their individual progress and discover their ability to learn and understand.
– Cultivating Talent: Our children have the right to develop to their full potential without limits, whether artistically, socially, personally, or culturally. Thus, through excellence, we can generate not only a social impact – preserving childhood and youth from aimlessness – but also an artistic one. The stimulation of individual talent provides guidance and inspiration for the entire group, helping to improve everyone’s work.
– Giving back: Bolivia Clasica alumni are now spread across various parts of the world, successfully forging their own career paths and thereby becoming meaningful role models. Most have already returned to Bolivia to perform and teach, while many support current students through online teaching and, in turn, sponsor them in various ways, paving the way for the next generation.