Art and culture|Cases|Inside Ramacrisna
Juan Santana’s journey shows how education, art, and opportunity can reveal talent and transform futures at the Ramacrisna Institute
Music has the power to transform lives, and at the Ramacrisna Institute, this transformation happens every day. The story of Juan Rodrigues Santana, 22, shows how the institution’s youth orchestra was able to open doors, reveal talents, and ignite dreams that once seemed distant. From a robotics course to admission to the music program at UFMG, Juan has embarked on a journey marked by passion, discipline, and opportunities.
Learn more about this story below.
Juan learned about the Ramacrisna Institute in 2019 when he participated in the Robotics course. After that, he was selected for the Adolescent Apprentice project. However, his plans were interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Unfortunately, just as I was about to start my activities as an apprentice at the Ramacrisna Institute, the pandemic struck,” he recalls. Like millions of young Brazilians, Juan’s routine was interrupted by isolation.
With the easing of restrictions, he decided to resume his routine. “Tired of being at home, I decided to start exercising,” he says. But what he didn’t imagine was that, on his way to the gym, he would find something that would change his plans forever.
Passing by the Institute, Juan came across a rehearsal of the Ramacrisna Philharmonic Orchestra. Fascinated, he stopped, listened, felt, and didn’t leave until the end. There, for the first time, he wanted to be part of that musical universe.
Even with the difficulties imposed by the pandemic, Juan decided he would be part of that universe. The excitement came when he finally received his first instrument, the transverse flute. “I was thrilled when I received my first instrument, which is still a great companion today,” he says.
It took two years of intense study, dedication, and support from the teachers at Ramacrisna. But the effort was not in vain: Juan earned the opportunity to perform in the Betim Symphony Orchestra, where he worked as an assembler and producer, and where he found his true instrumental passion: the bassoon.
“A curious, beautiful, magical instrument. An instrument that opened many doors,” he says.
That’s because, thanks to the instrument, he decided he wanted to pursue a career as a professional musician. To that end, in addition to rehearsals with the Ramacrisna Philharmonic Orchestra, he is a student at the UFMG School of Music, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in bassoon, and has already participated in several musical projects around the country.
But this is only the beginning: Juan’s plans are ambitious. “I intend to be a professional musician, I plan to finish my degree, further my studies to a doctorate, and become a member of major national or international orchestras,” he dreams.
Juan also wants to become a university professor and inspire new generations—just as he himself was inspired by the project.
Created in 2005, the Ramacrisna Philharmonic Orchestra was born to introduce the world of instrumental music to socially vulnerable children and young people aged 9 to 29. There are 50 musicians who study music theory and practice on string, wind, and percussion instruments, guided by renowned teachers from the Barros family and conducted by maestro Eliseu Martins de Barros.
In two decades, the orchestra has performed on important stages in the Belo Horizonte metropolitan area and shared the stage with nationally and internationally renowned artists. In 2024, it experienced a historic moment when it celebrated the 65th anniversary of the Ramacrisna Institute in a show with Seu Jorge.
For Juan, being part of the group is a source of pride. “Being a member of the Ramacrisna Philharmonic Orchestra is much more than a privilege. It sums up all my feelings about the Orchestra House in one word: Gratitude!” he said.
He concludes with an inspiring reflection: “Every fruit received has a seed. Have you planted yours?”
Just as the youth orchestra transformed Juan’s future, it can impact hundreds of other talents. Contact us and learn how to contribute to the Ramacrisna Institute.
