We recently connected with Diego Barbosa-vásquez and have shared our conversation below.

Diego, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The Opera Camp™ at CASC has been a transformative experience, uniting students, amateurs, and professionals in a collaborative opera production environment. The camp was designed not only to train young musicians but to foster a supportive community where everyone, regardless of experience level, contributes to the final performance. This collective approach empowers participants and strengthens cultural ties within the community, enhancing both individual growth and societal connection.

This project’s success inspired my doctoral dissertation, and it has since evolved into a core initiative of the Performing Arts Laboratory, focusing on expanding its benefits to communities across the USA. This broader program aims to bring the same collaborative, inclusive opera experience nationwide, using the arts as a bridge to connect diverse voices and foster community resilience.

Diego, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am Diego Barbosa-Vásquez, an internationally conductor specializing in opera, orchestra, and ballet. My conducting career has taken me across the globe, where I aim to bring diverse artistic expressions to life. In parallel, my scholarly work focuses on sustainability in the performing arts, addressing the artistic, ecological, financial, and social dimensions of our industry.

My mission is to empower artists and communities through music, fostering a deep appreciation for the transformative power of the arts while promoting practices that ensure a sustainable future for the performing arts.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by a mission to harness the transformative power of music to empower individuals and communities. Through my work as a conductor, whether it’s leading a symphony orchestra, staging an opera, or directing a ballet, I strive to create experiences that resonate on a personal level. For instance, my leadership of the Americas Chamber Orchestra focuses on showcasing diverse cultural narratives, enriching our understanding of the unique tapestry of the Americas while engaging communities through music education and outreach programs.

In addition, my scholarly work on performing arts sustainability seeks to address critical challenges in our industry. By examining the artistic, ecological, financial, and social aspects of the arts, I aim to promote practices that ensure the longevity and relevance of performing arts organizations. For example, my research collaborates with local communities to develop sustainable models that not only preserve our cultural heritage but also provide economic opportunities for artists. Ultimately, I am dedicated to fostering a vibrant artistic ecosystem that nurtures creativity while being mindful of our responsibilities to the environment and society.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

In my view, to best support artists and foster a thriving creative ecosystem, society must embrace the concept of the performing arts as cultural commons. This means creating inclusive platforms for local artists to engage with their communities, fostering collaboration and a sense of shared ownership in artistic endeavors.

We also need to encourage flexible funding models that prioritize sustainability. When artists have the financial security to focus on their creativity, they can produce more meaningful work without the constant pressure of economic instability.

Transparent governance structures within arts organizations are essential for promoting accountability and ensuring that all stakeholders feel valued and empowered. When everyone has a voice in decision-making, it creates a healthier ecosystem for creativity to flourish.

Finally, accessibility to education and the arts is crucial. By providing educational programs that welcome diverse communities, we nurture future generations of artists and audiences, ensuring that the arts continue to thrive for years to come.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.barbosavasquez.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbosa_vasquez/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DiegoBarbosaVasquez
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbosa-vasquez/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@diegopag1

Image Credits

Liliana Rocha
Andrea Marulanda