Women Conductors HUB
de Orquesta

Vibra Clásica

What is the HUB?

A pioneering platform for women conductors in Latin America. The HUB offers an intensive week of professional development, podium time, coaching and peer connection for women advancing in orchestral conducting. It was born in response to an urgent need: despite their preparation and talent, women still face structural barriers to leading from the podium.

Guidelines (English) Guidelines (Spanish)

Conductors HUB 2026

Finalists

From 26 to 30 October they will work with Alejandra Urrutia at the Teatro Municipal de Santiago on a program of Mozart, Sibelius and Suk. They come from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica and Ecuador.

Active participants

Argentina

Alba Anahi Campero

Colombia

Diana Carolina Cifuentes Sanchez

Chile

Geraldine Baldramina Turres Rodríguez

Argentina

Laura Dambra

Colombia

Lina Vanessa Benítez Cañas

Costa Rica

Luissana Padilla Chinchilla

Costa Rica

Paola Vannesa Carpio Calderón

Costa Rica

Sara González Luna

Ecuador

Victhoria Christina Pérez Sibada

Observers

Chile

Javiera Patricia Olivares Aliaga

Chile

Jessica Beatriz Rivas Barahona

Chile

María José Pomodoro Reyes

Chile

Millaray Danae Rodríguez Sepúlveda

Chile

Ximena del Pilar Garcia Banda

HUB

Directoras de Orquesta

Leadership

At the heart of the program is Alejandra Urrutia, who accompanies each participant in orchestral work and artistic exploration. Alongside her, Caroline Ward guides them as whole leaders, working with their transformative presence in a world that still does not readily share power with women.

A Baton of One’s Own

More than training, the Women Conductors HUB is a movement that seeks to transform leadership in classical music. Created by and for women, it proposes a way of conducting that does not imitate established models, but stands on authenticity, depth and a vision of one’s own. Here the baton is not only a technical tool: it is a symbol of voice, presence and purpose. Each edition of the HUB reaffirms that women have not only the right to stand in front of an orchestra, but to do so from their own way of inhabiting the world.

Rebekah Kathleen OBrien

USA

I felt very inspired watching Alejandra work with the conductors. Her warmth and honesty create a safe space for change, exploration and growth, and it is clear that her goal is to free the person as much as the musicians and the music.

Victoria Cesped

Chile

I would recommend it to all women because the HUB activities, the friendships that are created, the reflections it allows and the sessions with Alejandra are fundamental acts in the integral formation of a leader with argument, stance and kindness.

Pascale Van Os

Belgium

I would absolutely recommend the HUB to other women conductors. The program offers a unique combination of practical conducting experience, expert feedback and personal development. It creates a supportive environment where women can hone their skill...

Vibra Clásica

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply?

What are the requirements to apply?

You must be a woman and over 18. You also need to submit: a CV; a biography (Times New Roman, 11 pt, maximum 250 words); a high-resolution photo; a statement of up to 250 words explaining your reasons for applying; and 1 video in a single uncut take, 10 minutes long, shot with a front-facing camera (it may be with piano, chamber group and/or orchestra), sent as a YouTube link.

Can I apply if I live outside Chile?

Yes. The HUB Women Conductors welcomes applicants from different countries; the only formal requirement is to be a woman and over 18.

Applications and deadlines

When can I apply?

The 2026 application period runs from 3 July to 2 August. The application link is available in the program’s official terms.

When are the results announced?

Acceptance is announced on 10 August 2026. If you are selected, you must confirm your participation before 16 August 2026.

I applied but didn't receive a confirmation email — what should I do?

Write to us at hub@vibraclasica.org so we can check that your application was received correctly. You can also contact us with any question during the process.

Is there any cost to take part?

The course itself is free. If you are selected, you must cover your travel to Santiago, your accommodation and your meals during the week of the HUB.

Places and selection

How many places are available?

8 places for active conductors and 8 places for observing conductors.

If I am not selected, will I still receive a response?

Yes, every applicant receives a response. If you would like more detail about your process, you can write to hub@vibraclasica.org.

Repertoire

What repertoire should I prepare?

The 2026 study and concert program is:

W.A. Mozart — Symphony No. 21 in A major, K. 134 (20 min)
Jean Sibelius — Valse Triste (Kuolema), Op. 44 No. 1 (7 min)
Josef Suk — Serenade for Strings in E-flat major, Op. 6 (30 min)

Specific editions and any further program details will be confirmed directly with the selected conductors before the HUB.

During and after the HUB

Where and when does the HUB take place?

At the Teatro Municipal de Santiago, from 26 to 30 October 2026, in partnership with the Teatro Municipal, the Corporación de Amigos del Teatro Municipal and Vibra Clásica.

What does the HUB week include?

Masterclasses, score-study sessions, rehearsals with the Chamber Orchestra of the Municipal de Santiago alongside maestro Alejandra Urrutia; conversations with national and international guests; leadership and coaching sessions with Caroline Ward; and a closing concert.

What do I receive after taking part?

A video of the closing concert (which you can use for future applications), photos from the HUB, and tools to build or update your professional biography. The HUB also maintains a partnership with a network of associated orchestras — Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de Chile, Orquesta Sinfónica de la Universidad de Concepción and Orquesta de Cámara del Municipal de Santiago — which can open programming opportunities for alumnae.