Vegas
Elisa Vegas - Orchestra Conductor
"I am Elisa Vegas, the only female principal conductor of a professional symphony orchestra in Venezuela. My decision to remain in my country is rooted in a deep commitment to the transformative power of music in challenging contexts like ours."
Elisa Vegas is currently the only female principal conductor of a professional symphony orchestra in Venezuela. She has led the Gran Mariscal de Ayacucho Symphony Orchestra since 2017.
In addition to presenting a traditional academic symphonic repertoire, she has focused on bringing classical music to new audiences through innovative approaches—including concerts in vulnerable communities, cross-genre fusion projects, and staged productions of opera, ballet, zarzuela, and musicals. Under her direction, the orchestra has achieved significant milestones and was recognized by National Geographic in 2021 as a global example of resilience during the pandemic.
Maestra Vegas is also a founding member and Music Director of the Teresa Carreño Opera, a mentor at the Global Academy Conservatory of the Orchestra of the Americas, and currently serves as Resident Conductor of this prestigious institution. Her career includes collaborations with numerous academic orchestras both in Venezuela and abroad.
She has been a guest conductor with the São Paulo Academic Orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra of Guatemala, the Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne, and the Orchestra of the Americas, among others. Her dedication to artistic excellence and innovation has led her to conduct more than 90 concerts annually, combining classical repertoire with experimental projects known for their cultural and social impact.
Academically, she graduated summa cum laude with a degree in musicology from the Central University of Venezuela and also received honors from the Juan José Landaeta Conservatory of Music and UNEARTE. She completed additional training at international institutions such as the Canford School of Music in the United Kingdom, the Harvard Kennedy School, and Stanford University.
As a cultural leader, she has been internationally recognized as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum since 2020, standing out as one of Latin America's most influential figures in promoting music as a tool for social transformation. She has led landmark projects such as Las 100 Protagonistas, celebrating outstanding women, and has developed collaborations with diverse organizations.
Her work blends artistic leadership, a strong commitment to social impact, and the ability to manage projects that transform lives through music. Elisa Vegas is a powerful example of resilience and creativity in the musical world, especially in adversity.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2022 - present
Founding Member and Music Director – Teresa Carreño Opera, Teresa Carreño Theater
2021 - present
Leader - Carlos Miguel Prieto Conducting Fellowship – OAcademy Music Conservatory
2019 - present
Mentor - OAcademy Global Music Conservatory, Orchestra of the Americas
2021 - present
Musical and Artistic Director - Gran Mariscal de Ayacucho Symphony Orchestra