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CLEVELAND, OHIO – 05-09-13– On Friday, May 17, the ���� presents a global and visionary leader and social reformer for “A Conversation with Dr. José Antonio Abreu” in ����’s Mixon Hall from 11 a.m. until noon. This event is free, but seating is limited.

Dr. Abreu is the founder and guiding force behind El Sistema, an extraordinary musical educational program that has transformed the lives of more than two million children around the world and in Cleveland.

“Dr. José Antonio Abreu’s resilient belief in the life-changing power of music and music education for the young articulates what all musicians know: music study has the power to change one’s deepest being,” said ���� President Joel Smirnoff.

Those unable to attend “A Conversation with Dr. José Antonio Abreu” can still hear him speak the following day. On Saturday, May 18, the ���� will live stream its 88th Annual Commencement exercises at 10:00 a.m. (EDT) on www.cim.edu and through its mobile optimized website and Smartphone apps powered by .

Dr. Abreu will be presented with an honorary doctorate and give the 2013 Commencement Address to graduating students. ���� Fans on InstantEncore.com can download the free ���� Android or Apple App by searching for “����” or “����.”

“Our ability to present ���� on a variety of internet platforms, including the web and mobile devices, offers exciting opportunities for us and for our audiences,” said Conservatory Dean Adrian Daly. “I’m delighted that ���� will be streaming this year’s Commencement, allowing us to share the celebration of our newest graduates and of Dr. Abreu with a wider audience.”

Fans can download the free ���� Android or Apple App by searching for "����" or "����."