With the Purple Baton we commemorate International Women's Day

In commemoration of International Women's Day, every March 8th, the Medellín Philharmonic Orchestra joins the global celebration with #BatutaPúrpura, a campaign that pays tribute to women's talent and struggle for equality in music. Throughout the month of March, Filarmed will decorate its social media and communication channels with the color purple, a symbol of the fight for gender equality, to amplify women's voices and promote equity in the musical field.

Opening paths and breaking gaps

The history of music has been marked by the invaluable contributions of women who, despite obstacles and prejudices, paved the way for future generations. From María del Carmen Caycedo y Jurado, the first documented Colombian guitarist in the 19th century, to the conductors and soloists who shine on international stages today, women have demonstrated their talent and passion for music, despite the gaps and obstacles.

Some milestones in music that paved the way for equality:

1818-1874: María del Carmen Caycedo y Jurado is recognized as the first Colombian guitarist and probably the first documented Colombian female musician, thanks to the preservation of her guitar book with twenty-four musical pieces from the Gran Colombia era.
1898: Mary Wurm, a distinguished pianist and former student of Clara Schumann, founded and conducted a women's orchestra in Berlin, paving the way for women in orchestral conducting.
1913: London's Queen's Hall Orchestra, conducted by Sir Henry Wood, incorporates six female violinists, marking its first female inclusion. By 1918, there were already fourteen.
1930: Edna Phillips becomes the first woman in a major U.S. orchestra when she joins the Philadelphia Philharmonic as a harpist.
1930: Antonia Brico became the first woman to conduct the Berlin Philharmonic. In 1938, she conducted the New York Philharmonic, challenging the prejudices of the time. A film based on her story, The Conductor, was released in 2018.
1936: Music professor and composer Nadia Boulanger was the only woman to conduct in France during the interwar period and also became the first woman to conduct the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
1947: Russian Veronika Dudarova joined the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra in 1947, a position she held for over 50 years. In 1991, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, she founded the Russian Symphony Orchestra, which she conducted until 2003.
1982: Madeleine Carruzzo, a Swiss violinist, became the first woman to be admitted as a full member of the orchestra since its founding in 1882.
1983: Since its founding, women have been a fundamental part of Filarmed. Pioneers include violinist Gloria Vieco, violist Silvia Orozco, flautist María Inés Bustamante, and bassoonist Beatriz Loaiza, among others.
1997: The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra has admitted a woman as an official member for the first time, harpist Anna Lelkes, marking a milestone in gender equality in European orchestras.
2022: At just 26 years old, Ana María Patiño-Osorio from Antioquia was chosen as the first female assistant conductor of the renowned and traditional Suisse Romande Orchestra in Geneva, Switzerland.
2025: Filarmed's commitment to inclusion and equality is reflected in its Raíces Season, led by four talented female conductors. Additionally, distinguished soloists will light up the stage, celebrating the power and excellence of female talent in symphonic music.

#BatutaPúrpura: a call to action
Despite these advances, the reality is that women still face challenges in the music world. According to a 2023 United Nations report, only 51% of the music programmed in orchestras worldwide is composed of women. Furthermore, orchestral conducting remains a predominantly male field, with only a small percentage of women in leadership positions.

It is for this reason that, with the campaign #Purple Baton, Filarmed seeks to motivate new generations of girls and young women to pursue their musical dreams, regardless of gender stereotypes, by recognizing the achievements and talent of women who have left an indelible mark on the history of music.

The Raíces 2025 season's focus is on highlighting the importance of women in conducting roles, and for that reason, it features four concerts led by Latin American female conductors, in addition to highlighting the talents of two female soloists who celebrate the power of female talent.

We invite the entire community to join #BatutaPúrpura by sharing stories, music, and reflections on gender equality in music. Use the hashtag #BatutaPúrpura on your social media and participate in the activities taking place throughout the month of March.

Together, we can build a future where music is an inclusive, diverse, and equitable space for all people!