The Korean Red Cross has launched a youth orchestra of defectors from North Korea, reports the Korea Joongang Daily.

The Hope Windmill Orchestra comprises 76 musicians aged between 11 and 21. They will receive two-hour lessons every week and will be mentored by professional orchestral musicians.

The youth orchestra project has been modelled on Venezuela's El Sistema music education programme.

SeAH Steel Corporation sponsored the orchestra with $87,000 worth of instruments, including violins, cellos and double basses.

Topics