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Music for social harmony

A programme tackling youth vulnerability in Brazil

By United Nations Development Programme

April 11^th, 2023

Music is so much more than artistic expression. It can be a cultural refrain, a balm during a difficult time, or a link to people from other parts of the world.

And during the COVID-19 pandemic, music was also “medicine”, says 19-year-old violinist Gabriela.

According to a UNICEF study, 1 in 5 young people aged 15 to 24 felt depressed or had little interest in activities as a result of the isolation caused by pandemic restrictions.

Music for social harmony

Music for social harmony

“Music keeps me sane, [...] it gives me hope,” says Gabriela.

Gabriela is part of the State Centers for Child and Youth Orchestras of Bahia (NEOJIBA in Portuguese). In July 2020, Gabriela went out onto her balcony and began to play her violin. She wasn't alone: 1,950 of her fellow orchestra members accompanied her from their own balconies and windows.

Creating social harmony

Listen to “Il Guarany”, an opera composed by Antônio Carlos Gomes and performed by members of the 2 de Julho Orchestra, NEOJIBA’s principal orchestra.

Music can't cure a pandemic, but it can lift spirits. In some parts of Brazil, music is also a springboard for social integration.

NEOJIBA has 13 music centres throughout Brazil that use music education and group practice to encourage growth and integration of vulnerable young people.

A study shows that young peoples' participation in music helps them foster attentiveness and teamwork.

Music for social harmony

Music for social harmony

Music for social harmony

“This programme provides a new perspective on social development and revolutionizes music management, teaching, and practice in the state [of Bahia],” says Ricardo, pianist and director of the NEOJIBA Orchestra.

Programme participants achieve their goals through musical discipline, creating a sense of autonomy and empowerment that also gives them tools that facilitate social integration.

“I was a construction worker and got the chance to be a musician. I studied, I faced reality, I picked up the bow. If you're facing a hard situation, you have to find a way out,” says Joás, a member of the orchestra.

Many of those participating in the programme have experienced the positive effects that music has to offer. Photo: NEOJIBA

According to programme data, about 44 percent of members come from households whose total income is equal to, or below, one minimum wage.

Their social and musical engagement is so strong that they even launched an international campaign to host young Ukrainian musicians.

Music for social harmony

Music for social harmony

Music for social harmony

A Brazilian rhapsody

Listen to NEOJIBA’s string ensemble performing baroque music, conducted by Swiss violinist Chiara Banchini, while you read this part of the story.

“I had never even held a violin, and I never imagined that one day I would be able to play a musical instrument,” Lucas says.

Proximity to their instrument is essential so that each boy, girl, adolescent, or young adult can get more familiar with it, and form a greater connection to the music and the orchestra.

Through international bidding facilitated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the programme was able to save 50 percent on the purchase of 1,030 musical instruments, 675 pieces of orchestra equipment and 424 pieces of multimedia equipment.

Music for social harmony

Music for social harmony

Music for social harmony

Now each member can choose an instrument and take it home with them. Each instrument has a useful life of 10 years, which allows the programme to train different generations and increase its impact in the long term.

Renovations to NEOJIBA headquarters in the historic Parque do Queimado in Bahia, also done with UNDP support, have improved the programme's infrastructure, maximizing its community impact.

Music for social harmony

Music for social harmony

Music for social harmony

Now the musicians can perform and rehearse in a hall with exceptional symphonic standards, which benefits their technical development and confidence, thereby motivating them to continue with the programme.

Thanks to these improvements, the orchestras have given more than 1,600 concerts for 830,000 people in Brazil and abroad.

Photo: NEOJIBA

A universal language

Listen to NEOJIBA’s 2 de Julho Orchestra performing “Aquarela do Brasil” by Ary Barroso.

Luis Felipe describes his orchestra as “impressive”. “How everyone comes together to make something unique...it's people connecting,” he says.

The programme equips, brings together, and supports musicians, and also trains them. Students, musicians and teachers receive theoretical and instrumental training from professionals through classes in musical language, choral singing, bass, cello, violin, viola, clarinet, bassoon, flute, oboe, tuba, trombone, French horn, trumpet, guitar, and percussion. Some even learn the basics of building and repairing instruments.

Music for social harmony

Music for social harmony

Music for social harmony

The initiative contributes to social integration through a universal language: music. It also embraces inclusivity, as anyone can sign up for the classes.

“You pick your instrument, when you want to start, and your pace for learning and studying,” says Ricardo, the director.

Music for social harmony

Music for social harmony

Music for social harmony

Today, more than 10,000 participants are musicians thanks to the programme. Indirectly, another 4,500 people have benefited from activities through by member initiatives. The programme also offers training for educators.

“I have access to excellent professors. I have access to the world,” says Marcelle proudly.

Brazil is not unique. People in Chile, Iraq, Panama, Syria, and Ukraine also understand that music is a fundamental universal language for wellbeing and building a more inclusive world.

Music for social harmony

Music for social harmony

Music for social harmony

Da coda

“You have this feeling burning in your chest, and you think ‘the music has the power to change our lives’,” says Joás.

Like a da coda, the music must keep playing until boys, girls, and young people can experience musical, personal, and professional growth from a social integration perspective befitting the context.

Thanks to partnerships like UNDP and the Bahia State Secretariat of Justice, Human Rights and Social Development, the program can maintain and increase its support for violence prevention, poverty reduction, and psycho-social guidance for young people.

“Compare it to a weapon, but for good. This is our weapon: making music,”Marcelle says.

Footnotes

Music credits: NEOJIBA Youtube channel.

FootNotes

Music credits: NEOJIBA Youtube channel.

© 2026 United Nations Development Programme

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