Filarmed names Ana María Patiño-Osorio Music Director, marking a new era for Orchestras in Latin America 

Spotlighting a new generation of Latin American symphonic talent

Medellín, Colombia — The Medellín Philharmonic Orchestra (Filarmed) announces the appointment of Colombian conductor Ana María Patiño-Osorio as its next Music Director, commencing in February 2026. At just 30 years old, Patiño-Osorio becomes one of the youngest music directors in Latin America and one of the few women to lead a major professional orchestra in the region—a historic and forward-looking appointment that reflects a broader evolution of classical music in Colombia. 

This is not merely a leadership change; it is a declaration of artistic and cultural intent. With this historic decision, Filarmed reaffirms its commitment to showcasing the strength of Latin American talent, amplifying contemporary voices, and reimagining the role of the symphony orchestra in a fast-changing world.   

A Rising Talent with Global Momentum 

Born in La Unión, Colombia in 1995, Patiño-Osorio's rapid ascent in the international conducting scene has drawn attention from major institutions across Europe and the Americas. A graduate of EAFIT University in Medellín and the Zürcher Hochschule der Künste in Zurich—where she earned her master's degree with honors—she has already amassed a string of prestigious accolades:  

  • Second Prize, Audience Prize, and Youth Jury Prize at the 2024 Malko Competition For Young Conductors in Copenhagen  
  • Gustavo Dudamel Conducting Fellow 2025/26 with the Los Angeles Philharmonic  
  • Assistant Conductor of the Orchester de la Suisse Romande (2022–2024), selected from nearly 300 candidates  
  • National Prize for Best Conductor by the Bogotá Philharmonic in 2021  
Ana María Patiño-Osorio, nueva directora titular de la Orquesta Filarmónica de Medellín, posando junto al río Medellín con batuta en mano.

Ms. Patiño-Osorio's concert diary includes guest conducting appearances with the Orchestra National Bordeaux Aquitaine, Orchestra Symphonic National of the Rai, National Orchestra of Spain, Orchestra Symphonic and RTVE Madrid Choir, Galician Symphony Orchestra, Euskadi Orkestra, Stavanger Symphony, Dallas Symphony, and Symphony Orchestra of the Sodre in Montevideo. 

A Vision-Aligned Appointment 

Patiño-Osorio's arrival is fully aligned with Filarmed's identity as one of Latin America's most forward-thinking orchestras—recognized for daring programming, powerful social initiatives, and an unwavering commitment to cultural inclusion.  

“Ana María's appointment marks a turning point—not only for Filarmed, but for the entire orchestral landscape in our region,” said María Catalina Prieto Vásquez, Executive Director of the orchestra. "She embodies the artistic excellence, innovation, and social consciousness that defines our mission. Together, we will continue building a new model for what a Latin American orchestra can be."  

Patiño-Osorio brings a humanistic, collaborative approach to the podium. She is known for championing Latin American composers and for fostering powerful connections between musicians and communities.  

“I am honored to take on this role with an orchestra that feels like home—one that reflects the pulse of Medellín and shares my deepest artistic and human values,” said Patiño-Osorio. "This is a city of creativity, resilience, and innovation, and I believe music can continue to be a force for connection and transformation. We will make music that speaks honestly, emotionally, and with purpose." 

Renowned conductor Andrés Orozco-Estrada also celebrated the news, calling it “a historic moment for symphonic music in Colombia.” I have added: 

"Ana María is a fantastic conductor with deep respect for music and musicians. I admire her journey and am thrilled to see her leading Filarmed into a brilliant new chapter." 

Ana María Patiño-Osorio sonríe mientras sostiene una batuta, con el río Medellín y la ciudad al fondo, en su presentación como directora titular de la Orquesta Filarmónica de Medellín.

Filarmed: A Model of Artistic Purpose and Social Innovation 

Founded in 1983, the Medellín Philharmonic Orchestra has become one of Colombia's most dynamic cultural institutions. Its programming is a bold mix of Latin American symphonic repertoire, genre-crossing collaborations, and award-winning social projects. The orchestra has earned global recognition with a Latin Grammy Award (2021), the Classical:NEXT Innovation Award (2022), and the Kennedy Center LEAD® Award (2024) for accessibility and inclusion in the arts. 

With Ana María Patiño-Osorio on the podium, Filarmed enters a new era—where artistic risk, cultural authenticity, and social responsibility are not just ideals, but daily practice.   

Additionally, the orchestra has selected an artistic partner who will be announced in the coming months. 

See the press kit

Press Contact: 
Juan Manuel Chavarría – juan.chavarria@filarmed.org 

Photos: Juan Manuel Chavarría 

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www.filarmed.org – @Filarmed (Instagram, X, Facebook, LinkedIn)