Fleeing Venezuela: Talented migrants come to Argentina to start a new life
Updated 18:53, 06-Dec-2018
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South America is in midst of the biggest migration crisis of its history, as millions leave crisis-hit Venezuela. And some talented Venezuelans have made it all the way to Argentina, CGTN's Stephen Gibbs has more from Buenos Aires.
An impromptu concert in Buenos Aires. What few of the passers-by perhaps realize is that these maestros are recent migrants.
Venezuelans. Schooled in their country's famous program which develops classical musicians from all backgrounds.
Now seeking a better life, thousands of kilometers from home. They often perform in the city metro, where they don't just play Mozart, but a cat-and-mouse chase with the authorities who tell them to move on. And they really are in many locations.
While we were filming with one group, we came across another Venezuelan violinist, who was just getting ready to perform under this tree.
Israel Sarmiento travelled by foot and bus with just one bag, and his viola, the five-thousand miles from Maracaibo in Venezuela to the Argentine capital. He misses home but felt he had no choice.
ISRAEL PORTILLO SARMIENTO VENEZUELAN VIOLINIST "It's unfortunate. All my family has left. Various cousins are in Mexico, Peru, Colombia. It's part of the reality in which we are living."
Everywhere they played, we saw people just having to stop, and listen.
In modern societies, we have lost many values, said this man, but listening to this had raised his spirits.
So these talented young musicians, who feel there's not much hope where they come from, are bringing a little joy elsewhere. Stephen Gibbs, CGTN, Buenos Aires.