On a recent visit to Bogotá, a friend arranged a meeting for me with the Director of The Bogotá Philharmonic Orchestra. I THOUGHT I knew what the meeting would consist of: introductions, a presentation on the symphony, talk of the financial challenges facing them and every symphony orchestra these days, etc. I was indeed wrong.

Firstly, I was unaware that this thriving orchestra had recently released an album entitled “Es Colombia”, which over the course of 4 beautiful CDs, presents 40 classics of Colombian music arranged for symphony orchestra, recorded over the last 40 years. Click here to see a video clip. The album is quite beautiful and has been nominated for a Latin Grammy this year.

Secondly, I had no idea the extent of “non-classical” and even non-musical programming the Philharmonic Orchestra is responsible for, including Rock Al Parque, which is the largest free, outdoor rock music festival in the Americas. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! The Orquestra Filarmónica de Bogotá also programs Opera al Parque, Hip Hop Al Parque, Jazz Al Parque, as well as the Festival Danza en la Ciudad and a theater festival!

Not only that, but they are affiliated with an office of the city government devoted to demographic research that has been dedicated to audience development for 10 years!! 10 years!! I don’t know of any arts organizations in the U.S. who have been doing this type of work for so long!

Yet another example of why Bogotá is one of the most important cities for the arts in the Americas.