Minister of Culture Jose Antonio Rodriguez and Attorney General Francisco Dominguez Brito have announced the start of a program to create the National Penitentiary Symphonic Orchestra. The orchestra will be directed by Jose Antonio Molina. In a statement made yesterday, Tuesday 15 October, the Minister said that he expects the program to produce good musicians. “Auditions will be held in all the new model jails to find talented people, playing either wind or string instruments, and vocalists. He said the best talents in each category would be moved to one jail where all the inmates could meet for rehearsals. He expects the first concert to be in December 2014.
The Minister of Culture said that, “we are sure that many people in jail will see this as an opportunity to rebuild their lives and find social acceptance through this artistic activity,” he said. Attorney General Dominguez Brito said that it is important to provide hope for people who are in jail for errors. “Music can serve as a stimulus, not only to reduce levels of violence in the jails, but also to promote a culture of peace and harmony that can contribute to their rehabilitation,” as reported in El Caribe.
Speaking at the event, Jose Antonio Molina said that the idea was to give inmates a second chance. He said the orchestra could start with 60, 90 or 100 members. The alliance between the Ministry of Culture and the Attorney General office also seeks to train inmates in painting, dance, and acting as well as singing and music.