Bogotá Philharmonic Orchestra

At the heart of Colombian musical life since its foundation in 1967, the Bogotá Philharmonic Orchestra holds a central position in democratising musical culture and fostering the practice of chamber music and symphonic performances in Bogotá. Over the years, it has become a cherished cultural heritage of the city, deeply ingrained in its artistic fabric. It undertakes an annual season of concerts at venues such as the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, the León de Greiff Auditorium, and the Jorge Tadeo Lozano University.

In the realm of symphonic music, the Bogotá Philharmonic Orchestra has left a lasting mark with its captivating performances of renowned works by Mahler, Bruckner, Bartók, and many others. Yet, what truly sets this orchestra apart is its commitment to reaching new audiences by embracing diverse collaborations. Through visionary concerts featuring esteemed artists like Totó La Momposina, Puerto Candelaria, China Moses, Miguel Poveda, Petit Fellas, Manuel Medrano, Juanes, Aterciopelados, and Herencia de Timbiquí, the orchestra has embarked on a musical journey that bridges genres and enthrals listeners from all walks of life. These innovative collaborations have opened new avenues for exploration and appreciation, fostering a rich tapestry of musical traditions.

Notably, the orchestra has had the honour of collaborating with world-renowned musicians such as Kent Nagano, Deborah Voight, Luciano Pavarotti, Plácido Domingo, Shlomo Mintz, and many others. These collaborations have enriched the orchestra’s repertoire and showcased its versatility.

The orchestra has been awarded with two Latin GRAMMY Awards: ‘Best Instrumental Album’ in 2008, and in 2018, recognition of Rafa Sardina for ‘Best Sound Engineering’ for the album 50 años tocando para ti.

In 2013, the Bogotá Philharmonic Orchestra set out on an ambitious mission to create an extraordinary youth project in Colombia. With a clear vision in mind, their goal was to evolve the orchestra into a comprehensive system of orchestras, specifically focused on nurturing and guiding the musical growth of children and teenagers. Through this initiative, they aspire to shape the future of Colombian music while making a positive impact on the lives of young talents, empowering them to pursue their artistic dreams in the city.