Julia Salvi: How a Cali Native Put Colombia on the Classical Music Map

Julia Salvi, a native of Cali, Colombia, has played a pivotal role in elevating the country's status in the world of classical music. Over the past two decades, she has spearheaded the Salvi Foundation, which has been instrumental in establishing Colombia as a serious destination for international classical music, as evidenced by the ongoing Cartagena Music Festival.

This annual event, now in its 20th edition, has garnered over 509,000 spectators and has lured 15,000 tourists to Cartagena each year to witness world-class performances. The Salvi Foundation's endeavors extend beyond the festival, as they have trained more than 3,920 artists, hosted 529 concerts, and delivered over 2,700 hours of master classes.

These initiatives have also reached 13,000 individuals through luthiery centers, teaching the specialized skills of instrument building and repair across 80 neighborhoods in Cartagena. Julia Salvi's journey began with her academic pursuits at Bogota's Javeriana University, where she studied economics. She later ventured to London to hone her English language skills.

Alongside her husband, Victor Salvi, an Italian-American luthier and harpist, Julia worked tirelessly for three decades to convince Colombia of its potential to make a significant impact on the global classical music scene. Her leadership was forged through her experiences as a woman, cultural ambassador, and mother, instilling resilience and a maternal presence that resonates with her team.

Julia's commitment to classical music transcends mere genre preference; she emphasizes its ability to foster coexistence and the value of listening to one another. Her legacy includes the recognition of Italy's Order of the Star in 2019 and the acclaim of Classic FM, which has named the Cartagena Music Festival as one of the ten most magical in the world.

Through her work, the Salvi Foundation has fostered a new generation of talent such as cellist Santiago Cañon, violinist Laura Hoyos, and soprano Julieth Lozano, whose successes illustrate how far opportunity can take individuals who receive mentorship, discipline, and a supportive environment.