'Symphony of protests' across Venezuela as violinist's musical resistance goes viral

[caption id="attachment_3845331" align="alignleft" width="940"] As months of anti-government demonstrations showed no signs of abating, protesters took to the street for an unique show of strength through music after violinist Wuilly Arteaga went viral during his violin show during raging protests. Reuters[/caption][caption id="attachment_3845353" align="alignleft" width="940"] Arteaga was a member of the El Sistema orchestra, a music programme championed by ex-President Hugo Chávez. He became famous after a video went viral, showing him in tears after his violin was broken by police. The violin was replaced by a well-wisher, and he returned to the streets. Reuters[/caption][caption id="attachment_3845363" align="alignleft" width="940"] With the situation already inflamed, the stakes have risen, after the US threatened economic sanctions if Maduro proceeds with the 30 July election to rewrite the constitution. The president has vowed to maintain the election of 545 members to the "Constitutional Assembly." Reuters[/caption][caption id="attachment_3845367" align="alignleft" width="940"] The chorus of protesters took a musical turn inspired by Wuilly Arteaga. He was injured and taken to a clinic when police fired tear gas and pellets. The 23-year-old was seen with blood pouring from cuts on the left side of his face. He said later he had been struck with buckshot. Reuters[/caption][caption id="attachment_3845375" align="alignleft" width="940"] At least 100 have been killed in more than three months of political upheaval jolting the South American nation. Venezuela is plagued by triple-digit inflation, food and medical shortages and a homicide rate among the highest in the world. Reuters[/caption][caption id="attachment_3845379" align="alignleft" width="940"] Arteaga thanked his supporters with a video message on Twitter: "Even though I lost my phone in the protests, I have been receiving lots of messages via social networks." He said he has not been involved in any of the fundraising activities, and has not accepted any donations. Reuters

[/caption]