Colombia’s Medellín Philharmonic Orchestra Announces Next Music Director

The Medellín Philharmonic Orchestra (Filarmed) has not had a principal conductor for three years, during which the orchestra was directed by guest conductors. David Greilsammer was selected out of two other candidates in the final round for the role.

“The selection process was very rigorous and was guided by the standards of the American League of Orchestras,” explained María Catalina, executive director of Filarmed. 

Each of the candidates performed with Filarmed across four weeks in multiple orchestral formats and in community, seasonal, pedagogical, and chamber music concerts. They were assessed on various rubrics which were rated by the Filarmed musicians, administrative team, and board of directors.

As principal conductor, Greilsammer will select the various guest conductors and soloists for each season, ensure the orchestra’s international standing, and plan educational programs and training.

His debut in his new role will take place in August 2022, where he will give two concerts. The first will involve discussions about biodiversity and environmental protection and a celebration of Igor Stravinsky’s 140th birthday. The second will focus on ocean conservation and celebrate Claude Debussy’s 160th birthday.

Since 2013, Greilsammer has served as music and artistic director of Switzerland’s Geneva Camerata. Additionally, records albums as a pianist and conductor released by the Vanguard, Sony Classical, and Naïve record labels. 

Having performed as guest conductor and soloist with several major orchestras worldwide, he has also given solo recitals at London’s Wigmore Hall,  Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw, and Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center.

“We’re happy [to] welcome David Greilsammer for the artistic direction of Filarmed,” the orchestra wrote on their Facebook page. “Greilsammer will lead the construction of our own sound, innovative artistic proposals and unique experiences.”

“I want all musicians to be 100% connected to each other, as if the power of sound is transmitted from one body to another, so that they can sound united, energetic, dynamic, bold,” added Greilsammer. “The more connected we are among ourselves, the more powerful and beautiful our sound will be.”

“I would like Filarmed to become a leader in the orchestral world, bringing together its musical excellence, its originality, its Colombian and Latin American traditions and its very warm human spirit, in order to offer audiences unforgettable and exciting concerts that will have an impact unique in their lives,” Greilsammer expressed in the press release.