Esperanza Azteca Youth Orchestra to Expand to Los Angeles

Ricardo Salinas joins forces with LA Mayor Eric Garcetti and investor Andrew Nikou to successfully develop the life-changing project. The orchestra adds to a network of more than 13,000 low income youth who develop leadership and achievement values through music.

Mexico City, March 5, 2013. Grupo Salinas (www.gruposalinas.com), a group of dynamic, fast-growing and technologically advanced companies, founded by Ricardo Salinas (www.ricardosalinas.com), announced today that the distinguished Esperanza Azteca Youth Orchestra will expand into the United States, with a new program in Los Angeles, California.

In an event with the Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, and Andrew Nikou –CEO and Managing Partner of OpenGate Capital– Ricardo Salinas said that Esperanza Azteca, currently comprised of more than 13,000 needy youth and their 800 music teachers, will have presence for the first time in the US, adding to a network of 60 existing orchestras in Mexico and El Salvador.

“We are very excited about the expansion of this project to form better human beings. When the kids play in the orchestra they feel what it’s like to do things with excellence, teamwork and have enough self-esteem for the development of other important activities. And what is most relevant is that they feel they are part of something much bigger than themselves, and that’s what the world needs,” commented Mr. Salinas.

The new orchestra will be based at a large public school in Los Angeles, in cooperation with Beyond the Bell, an after school program in the Los Angeles Unified School District.

“I’m happy I was able to help Grupo Salinas bring Esperanza Azteca to Los Angeles. My city is where creativity lives, so it’s important for me to cultivate the next generation of artists. Now hundreds of L.A.’s children will benefit from this great classical music program,” said Mayor Garcetti. Esperanza Azteca has developed a successful model of youth’s orchestras to form better human beings through music. Children acquire values such as discipline, effort, excellence and teamwork. After nine months of solid training, with the help of funding institutions and philanthropists, the children are able to give concerts in their communities and elsewhere.

“I am thrilled to launch the Andrew Nikou Foundation, and through this inaugural grant, be part of the relevant effort aimed to enhancing values, and improving personal character and living conditions through music in the U.S. and especially in Los Angeles. It is an exciting concept to connect people to music and, that through their commitment and dedication to learning, they will be able to integrate further into their communities and add growing value to society,” commented Mr. Nikou.

Esperanza Azeca’s goal is to benefit half a million people through its concerts network in a 10-year time frame; Grupo Salinas is deeply committed to promote important actions for improving the lives of those who want to help themselves, and to form a better society.

Grupo Salinas Profile

Grupo Salinas is a group of dynamic, fast growing, and technologically advanced companies focused on creating shareholder value, building the Mexic an middle class, and improving society through excellence. Created by Mexican entrepreneur Ricardo B. Salinas, Grupo Salinas operates as a management development and decision forum for the top leaders of member companies. These companies include: Azteca, Azteca America, Grupo Elektra, Banco Azteca, Advance America, Afore Azteca, Seguros Azteca and Grupo Iusacell. Each of the Grupo Salinas companies operates independently, with its own management, board of directors and shareholders. Grupo Salinas has no equity holdings.

The Nikou Foundation

The Nikou Foundation was formed by investor Andrew Nikou and is dedicated to supporting educational, non-profit organizations whose mission is to support and capture the imagination of all people across the globe. The Foundation’s grants and volunteer work are directed towards organizations and communities where we can become a change-agent and deliver real benefits to create more enjoyable and rewarding lives. The Foundation supports those groups focused in the areas of environment, global development, life sciences, and education. The Foundation’s mission is simple; Live to Love, Love to Live.