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 based on my 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, leading the Gran Mariscal de Ayacucho Symphony Orchestra since 2017.
In addition to offering an academic symphonic repertoire, he has focused his work on bringing classical music to new audiences through innovative initiatives, such as concerts in vulnerable communities, fusion projects between musical genres, and stage productions of opera, ballet, zarzuela, and musicals. Under his direction, the orchestra has achieved important milestones, being recognized in 2021 by National Geographic as a global example of resilience in the face of the pandemic.
Currently, Maestro Vegas is also a Founding Member and Music Director of the Teresa Carreño Opera House, a mentor of the Global Academy Conservatory of the Orchestra of the Americas, and Resident Conductor of this prestigious institution. Her career includes collaborations with numerous Venezuelan and international academic orchestras. She has been a guest conductor of 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 commitment to artistic excellence and innovation has led her to perform more than 90 concerts annually, combining classical repertoire with experimental projects that stand out for their cultural and social impact.
Academically, she graduated summa cum laude with a major in musicology from the Central University of Venezuela; she also earned honors from the Juan José Landaeta Conservatory of Music and UNEARTE. She also completed further 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 recognized internationally as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum since 2020, standing out as one of the most influential figures in Latin America in promoting music as a tool for social transformation. She has also led iconic projects such as "Las 100 Protagonistas," which celebrates outstanding women, and has developed collaborations with various organizations.
Her approach combines artistic leadership, a commitment to social impact, and the ability to manage projects that transform lives through music. Elisa Vegas represents a shining example of resilience and creativity in the musical world, in challenging contexts.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2022 - present
Founding Member and Musical 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
MUSIC EDUCATION AND OTHERS
2016
Higher Studies in Music – UNEARTE
2015
Bachelor of Arts, major in Musicology – Central University of Venezuela - graduated with honors
2012
Rodolfo Saglimbeni's Conductor Training Chair – FUNDAMUSICAL Simón Bolívar, El Sistema
2005 - 2008
Conducting Course - Canford School of Music , England
2007
Advanced Studies - Ars Nova School of Music
2007
Conservatory Title: Musician - Clarinetist - Juan Conservatory of Music
José Landaeta. Caracas, Venezuela - graduated with honors
Others
Global Leadership and 21st Century Public Policy, Harvard Kennedy School
School of Executive Education . Boston, USA (2024); Essentials for Business , Stanford Professional Development Center, Stanford University (2020)
AWARDS, SCHOLARSHIPS AND RECOGNITIONS
2022
Recognized as one of the "Inspiring Women of Latin America" -
Deutsche Welle
2021
Recognition of the Ayacucho Symphony Orchestra as one of the cases
of resilience against COVID 19 - National Geographic
2021
"First-class order" from the Baruta Mayor's Office, Caracas
2020
"Young Global Leader" - World Economic Forum
2020
"First-class order" from the Mayor's Office of Lecherías, Puerto la Cruz
2007
Recognition as a "Good Citizen" by the Mayor's Office of Chacao, Caracas