The Nucleo Project children that took part in the Sistema Europe Summer Camp in Turkey have come back with very positive comments about this experience that was made possible through funding obtained by Sistema England.

“This whole experience has increased my love for music and inspired me to practice even more and increase my standards”, said Rebekah, who is 12 and plays the flute.

The Sistema Europe Summer Camp was organised by Sistema Europe and Barış İçin Müzik, a Sistema-inspired programme based in Turkey. Sessions were led by Etienne Abelin and Bruno Campo. The Nucleo Project, led by Lucy Maguire, attended representing Sistema England.

“I enjoyed it very much to be able to meet and play with people from all around Europe and I would especially like to thank Bruno and Etienne for all the hard work they put in to make this possible”, said Zablon, who is 11 and plays the trumpet.

The summer camp was held at Bosphorus University in Istanbul, from 15 to 22 August. The children not only took part in lessons, rehearsals and performances, but they also had a chance to visit some key tourist spots.

“Turkey was a lovely place to stay everyone was very kind and helpful and I can’t wait to see them again. I also enjoyed playing music”, said Khamiya, who is 11 and plays the viola.

More than 200 children from eight Sistema-inspired programmes throughout Europe took part in this activity. On 21 August, they came together as a huge ensemble to perform at the prestigious Leyla Gencer Opera and Arts Centre in Istanbul.

“I found it amazing how people from all around Europe could come together, make friends, have fun and play wonderful music”, said Louis, who is 10 and plays the viola.

Watch a news story on CNN Turkey about the Summer Camp, kindly subtitled by Barış İçin Müzik.