Andrea Vela has officially taken over as principal conductor of the Cuenca Symphony Orchestra, becoming the first woman to hold the position in the orchestra’s history.

The Quito-born conductor was selected through a competitive process organized by Ecuador’s Vice Ministry of Culture. She replaces Augusto Carrión Rodas, who had led the orchestra since 2021.

Vela brings nearly three decades of experience conducting orchestras, choirs, chamber ensembles, and contemporary music groups across the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

She holds a master’s degree in orchestral conducting from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, where she received a scholarship from the Chinese government. Her academic background also includes violin studies in the United States and art history studies in Mexico.

In Ecuador, she previously directed the Loja Symphony Orchestra for seven years and later led the National Symphony Orchestra of Ecuador for three years.

Her debut as principal conductor in Cuenca will take place May 7 and 8 during a Mother’s Day tribute concert with Don Medardo and his Players at the Casa de la Cultura Theater. The performances will feature symphonic arrangements by Cristian Tacuri.

Vela said her first days with the orchestra have been intense but positive, describing the musicians as highly receptive and enthusiastic during rehearsals.

Beyond traditional classical programming, she plans to expand the orchestra’s connection with the public through educational concerts, community performances, chamber music presentations, and collaborations that make symphonic music more accessible.

Among her goals are youth music competitions, conducting seminars, opera and ballet productions, and stronger promotion of Ecuadorian composers.

She also announced plans for a June concert featuring world premieres by Ecuadorian composers including Mesías Maiguashca, Juan Campoverde, and Rafael Subía.

Vela said she hopes her appointment encourages more women to pursue orchestral conducting, a profession historically dominated by men.

“When I started, there were no female role models on the podium,” she said. “I hope this inspires more women to pursue this career.”

The orchestra currently has 55 musicians, though Vela said she hopes to eventually expand the ensemble to around 65 performers to tackle larger Romantic and post-Romantic repertoire.

Her long-term plans also include national and international tours, beginning with performances planned in Quito.