Colombian Conductor: Latino Musicians Go From Novelty to Mark of Quality in US Orchestras

Colombian conductor Juan Felipe Molano now sees Latino musicians in American orchestras as a mark of quality rather than a novelty. The Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra's music director has led ensembles across the globe, including in the United States, the Philippines, Singapore, France, Portugal, Japan, Colombia, and Mexico. Molano notes that Latino conductors and soloists are now commonplace on programs, signaling excellence.

Among the roster of notable Latino conductors are Venezuelan Gustavo Dudamel, who leads the New York Philharmonic, Mexican Carlos Miguel Prieto with the North Carolina Symphony, and Nicaraguan-born, Costa Rican-raised Giancarlo Guerrero at the Sarasota Orchestra. Colombian representation includes Lina Gonzalez-Granados, resident conductor of LA Opera, and cellist Santiago Cañon-Valencia, a 2019 Tchaikovsky Competition silver medalist who has performed with the Kansas City and Phoenix symphonies.

Overall, the percentage of Hispanic music directors in U.S. orchestras has risen from 5% to 9.9% from the past decade to 2023, while the share of Hispanic musicians has increased from 2.5% to 4.8%. However, both numbers still fall short of the 20.5% of Americans who identify as Hispanic according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates.

Molano attributes Latinos' ability to connect with diverse musical traditions to the blend of influences shaping their lives, allowing them to find appreciation in all genres. His programs reflect this perspective, featuring works such as Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries," Mussorgsky's "Night on Bald Mountain," Saint-Saëns' "Danse Macabre," John Williams' "Jaws" and "Harry Potter" suites, and Piazzolla, Britten, and Shin-Itchiro Yokoyama's world premiere chamber symphony in a single concert.

Molano's own musical journey began through his uncle, Edo Polanek, a Czech guitarist who fled World War II and taught at the University of Antioquia in Medellin. His aunt introduced him to piano lessons, leading him to switch instruments. Molano's first mentor was pianist Teresita Gomez, followed by Venezuelan teacher Arnaldo Garcia Guinand, whom he considers his greatest influence.

He earned a conducting diploma at the Vienna Conservatory, studying under Reinhard Schwarz and Georg Mark, the latter of whom was an assistant to the renowned Herbert von Karajan.

Molano's current focus remains on nurturing young talent. From 2003 to 2013, he served as music director of the Yucatan Symphony Orchestra, later becoming the national director of orchestras at Batuta, a Colombian youth network serving over a million children. He has also been artistic director of Youth Orchestra Salinas and Youth Orchestra Los Angeles, and resident conductor of the American Youth Symphony.

Now, he leads the Sinfonietta of the Morelia Music Festival, fostering young Mexican musicians in an orchestra setting. While professional orchestras continue to benefit from his guidance, Molano remains committed to the growth of youth ensembles, where he can witness musicians' progress from their initial rehearsals to live performances and lay the groundwork for their careers.