Paolo Bortolameolli is the new Artistic Partner of the Medellín Philharmonic Orchestra.

Paolo Bortolameolli is the new Artistic Partner of the Medellín Philharmonic Orchestra. The orchestra is pleased to announce its collaboration with the renowned Chilean conductor Paolo Bortolameolli. He will take on the role of Artistic Partner for three seasons, beginning in 2026 and continuing through to 2028. During this time, he will work on two projects per season. Renowned for his energy, creativity and contemporary vision of symphonic music, Bortolameolli will work closely with Principal Conductor Ana María Patiño-Osorio to enhance Filarmed’s international reputation.

As previously announced, this appointment is part of a multi-stage strategy to strengthen Filarmed’s artistic identity and presence in Latin America. The appointment of Ana María Patiño Osorio as principal conductor and the addition of Paolo Bortolameolli as artistic partner reaffirm our belief that the future of symphonic music lies in Latin America. At Filarmed, we believe in the talent and vision of Latin American artists. As part of our mission, we are committed to providing visibility for their work and to establishing a musical identity that will elevate us on the international stage

An artistic alliance that unites Chile and Colombia under a shared vision

Bortolameolli believes that music has the power to transform young people’s lives. He is the current music director of the Chilean National Youth Symphony Orchestra (OSNJ), the oldest ensemble of the Chilean Youth and Children’s Orchestras Foundation (FOJI), which he has conducted since 2002. Starting in 2026, Bortolameolli will become the music director of the Santiago Philharmonic and the National Opera of Chile. His international career has led him to conduct orchestras in Europe, the United States, Asia, and Latin America.
Recognized as one of the most important conductors in Latin America, he is renowned for his work in cultural outreach, creating new audiences, and training young musicians. He has received seven awards from the Association of Art Critics and was included by Forbes in 2024 among “The 50 Most Creative Chileans.” In 2025, he became the first classical music artist to serve on the jury of the prestigious Viña del Mar International Song Festival. There, he emphasized the profound connection between popular and classical music and the ability of music to unify people.

“I am delighted that Paolo, who has enjoyed a close and organic relationship with our orchestra for many years, is joining this project. His vision aligns with ours: an orchestra in constant dialogue with the city and community that views music as a tool for social transformation. His extensive experience working with Latin American orchestras that are committed to engaging with the world and his connection with the public will greatly enrich Filarmed. His presence strengthens the team and propels us forward as we look toward a bright future together.” —Ana María Patiño-Osorio, Principal Conductor of Filarmed.

What is an artistic partner?

For Paolo Bortolameolli, the word “partner” encapsulates an essential idea: teamwork. “It means working side by side with the principal conductor, sharing the orchestra’s overall vision, and combining energies toward a common goal,” he explains. “From the first time I played with Filarmed — in Mahler’s Sixth Symphony—I felt a very special chemistry. I feel privileged to be part of this unique musical family.” The role of Artistic Partner involves actively complementing the principal conductor’s work. This role strengthens the orchestra’s artistic processes, encourages new perspectives on the repertoire, and consolidates a collaborative relationship based on trust and creative exchange. With this addition, the Medellín Philharmonic Orchestra renews its commitment to building bridges between Latin America and the rest of the world, and between symphonic tradition and contemporary innovation.

“Conducting an orchestra means being part of a human process engaged in the search for beauty.” Music is part of who we are. It is an essential need that precedes us. It is a cultural heritage, an inducer of emotions, a universal language without universal meaning. It is a daily companion and an abstract whole that shapes our identity as individuals. It is a longing to belong to a community. I firmly believe that when you bring together different points of view, energies, and talents around a common vision, the results are inevitably great,” says Bortolameolli about his new role with Filarmed.

The 25/26 season sees Bortolameolli with Münchner Philharmoniker, Warsaw Philharmonic, Dresdner Philharmoniker, Brussels Philharmonic, Orquesta Sinfónica de Castilla y León, Phoenix Symphony, Rochester Symphony, Omaha Symphony, as well as productions of Strauss’s Salome, Puccini’s La Bohème, and Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet at Ópera Nacional de Chile and Filarmónica de Santiago.

His style combines technical precision and emotional depth, qualities that have made him one of the most prominent Latin American conductors of his generation. He has debuted with numerous world-renowned orchestras and founded initiatives such as Clásica No Convencional. In 2020, he published his book, Rubato.

In 2025, Bortolameolli returned to his native Chile at the height of his career. He was backed by his outstanding track record as associate conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic (LA Phil) under the direction of Gustavo Dudamel, the orchestra’s artistic and musical director and one of the world’s most award-winning classical music conductors. His recent performances include the Philadelphia Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, the Minnesota Orchestra, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, the Helsinki Philharmonic, and the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra. He has also conducted Puccini’s Madama Butterfly and Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute) at the Gran Teatre del Liceu, as well as Puccini’s Tosca at the Paris Opera. His other productions include Osvaldo Golijov’s Ainadamar at the Detroit Opera House and Gioachino Rossini’s Il viaggio a Reims at the National Opera of Chile.

A New Era for Filarmed

The arrival of Paolo Bortolameolli as Artistic Partner marks a new chapter in the history of the Medellín Philharmonic Orchestra. Alongside principal conductor Ana María Patiño-Osorio, he will bring new artistic perspectives and strengthen the orchestra’s international profile, reaffirming its dedication to excellence, innovation, and an active connection with its audience