In 1975, Venezuelan musician Jose Antonio Abreu created a network of music education programs for children. It became known as El Sistema. As the director of El Sistema, Abreu was able to gain government support for the network, and turn it into one of Venezuela’s model programs. Abreu died March 24 at age 78. Now, El Sistema’s new director, Eduardo Mendez, promises to continue the program's tradition of musical excellence and social service. Mendez said the program must overcome Venezuela’s severe economic crisis. The crisis has forced hundreds of musicians to leave the country. El Sistema now includes about 300 community schools. The network has given children in poor neighborhoods a chance to study classical music. It has produced world-famous musicians, including the director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel.