Costa Rica now has its first symphony orchestra that consists exclusively of women. The Sistema Nacional de Educación Musical assembled the ensemble as part of an initiative from the Ministry of Culture and Youth. The group counts 70 musicians. Members include students and instructors who train through SINEM centers in different provinces. Invited instrumentalists from El Salvador, Brazil, Panama and Chile complete the roster.
The orchestra works toward greater equality for women in the music industry. The new group holds its first performances during the days that mark International Women’s Day. Performers present the opening concert on March 6 at 7 p.m. at INCAE Business School in Alajuela. They return the next day, March 7, at 7 p.m. for a show at the Teatro Nacional in San José. Both events are open to the public at no charge.
The selected pieces come from women composers across different periods. The program lists works by Fanny Mendelssohn and Louise Farrenc. It also includes compositions by Valeria Valle, Nubia Jaime Donjuan, Katherine Bachmann, Rocío Sanz and Roxana Borges. Costa Rican Mariana Cruz contributes her piece titled Verás la luz. Cruz previously studied at the SINEM facility in Alajuela.
Minister of Culture and Youth Jorge Rodríguez Vives spoke on the project. He noted the importance of this step in the artistic field. The minister said the orchestra generates real chances for girls, young women and teachers to develop professionally in music and take on leadership positions.
SINEM director Laura Jiménez commented that the team prepared the concerts through an artistic music camp held at INCAE from March 4 to March 7. The activities allowed participants to strengthen their technical abilities and prepare the repertoire. The concerts allow audiences in the capital area and Alajuela to attend the debut performances without paying for tickets. The events form part of the activities that observe the role of women in society.
Support for the orchestra comes in part from the Iberorquestas Juveniles cooperation program. This backing helped bring together the musicians from Costa Rica and neighboring countries in the region.
