On the afternoon of March 20， H.E. Dr. José Antonio Abreu， former minister of culture of Venezuela paid a visit to the Min-On Culture Center as the representative of the Youth Orchestra of Venezuela. Dr. Abreu is the main force behind a movement to improve Venezuelan society by providing opportunities for economically disadvantaged youth to receive music instruction. His goal is to foster the growth of children and youth， and save them from lives of poverty and crime by providing music education and forming youth orchestras. He has to date formed approximately 130 youth orchestra and 60 children’s orchestras in 30 cities and towns across Venezuela， a country with a population of 26 million. In all， some 265，000 children have become involved in the study and performance of classical music through his efforts. These orchestras have produced a number of outstanding musicians， including one who at 17 was invited to join a world renowned philharmonic orchestra in Germany. Dr. Abreu’s activities have attracted considerable attention around the world.