OFUNAM
Encyclopedia
The Orquesta Filarmónica de la UNAM (National Autonomous University of Mexico's Philharmonic Orchestra, also known as OFUNAM) was founded in 1936 and is the oldest symphonic group in Mexico City
. It is based at Sala Nezahuacóyotl at the University City of the National Autonomous University of Mexico
, in Mexico City. It was the first orchestra in Mexico to present annual concert seasons. Also, it is already a tradition that the orchestra presents an annual program of Mexican symphonic music.
Some consider OFUNAM was created in 1929 when, soon after the obtainment of UNAM's autonomy, a group of students and professors set an orchestra at the Faculty of Music. However, it was officially founded in 1936, with the official approval granted by Lázaro Cárdenas
's government. The original name was Orquesta Sinfónica de la Universidad (University's Symphonic University) and was conducted by José F. Vásquez and José Rocabruna. The orchestra was based at Anfiteatro Simón Bolívar.
In 1966, a new base was assigned: Auditorio Justo Sierra at the Faculty of Philosophy and Literature. In 1966, the assignment of a new art director, Eduardo Mata
, established the start of a new period, when UNAM's Symphonic Orchestra became UNAM's Philharmonic Orchestra (OFUNAM). One year later, OFUNAM moved to its current base, Sala Nezahualcóyotl. Zuohuang Chen was the conductor from 2002 to 2006. In 2006, OFUNAM celebrated its 70th anniversary, Sala Nezahualcóyotl's 30th anniversary, as well as Mozart
's 250th birth anniversary and Shostakovich's 100th birth anniversary. Welsh Alun Francis
is OFUNAM's current art conductor, and Mexican Rodrigo Macías is the assistant conductor.
Mexico City
Mexico City is the Federal District , capital of Mexico and seat of the federal powers of the Mexican Union. It is a federal entity within Mexico which is not part of any one of the 31 Mexican states but belongs to the federation as a whole...
. It is based at Sala Nezahuacóyotl at the University City of the National Autonomous University of Mexico
National Autonomous University of Mexico
The Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México is a university in Mexico. UNAM was founded on 22 September 1910 by Justo Sierra as a liberal alternative to the Roman Catholic-sponsored Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico The Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) (National Autonomous...
, in Mexico City. It was the first orchestra in Mexico to present annual concert seasons. Also, it is already a tradition that the orchestra presents an annual program of Mexican symphonic music.
Some consider OFUNAM was created in 1929 when, soon after the obtainment of UNAM's autonomy, a group of students and professors set an orchestra at the Faculty of Music. However, it was officially founded in 1936, with the official approval granted by Lázaro Cárdenas
Lázaro Cárdenas
Lázaro Cárdenas del Río was President of Mexico from 1934 to 1940.-Early life:Lázaro Cárdenas was born on May 21, 1895 in a lower-middle class family in the village of Jiquilpan, Michoacán. He supported his family from age 16 after the death of his father...
's government. The original name was Orquesta Sinfónica de la Universidad (University's Symphonic University) and was conducted by José F. Vásquez and José Rocabruna. The orchestra was based at Anfiteatro Simón Bolívar.
In 1966, a new base was assigned: Auditorio Justo Sierra at the Faculty of Philosophy and Literature. In 1966, the assignment of a new art director, Eduardo Mata
Eduardo Mata
Eduardo Mata was a Mexican conductor and composer.Mata was born in Mexico City. He studied guitar privately for three years before enrolling in the National Conservatory of Music. From 1960 to 1963 he studied composition under Carlos Chávez, Héctor Quintanar and Julián Orbón. In 1964 he received a...
, established the start of a new period, when UNAM's Symphonic Orchestra became UNAM's Philharmonic Orchestra (OFUNAM). One year later, OFUNAM moved to its current base, Sala Nezahualcóyotl. Zuohuang Chen was the conductor from 2002 to 2006. In 2006, OFUNAM celebrated its 70th anniversary, Sala Nezahualcóyotl's 30th anniversary, as well as Mozart
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , baptismal name Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart , was a prolific and influential composer of the Classical era. He composed over 600 works, many acknowledged as pinnacles of symphonic, concertante, chamber, piano, operatic, and choral music...
's 250th birth anniversary and Shostakovich's 100th birth anniversary. Welsh Alun Francis
Alun Francis
Alun Francis is a Welsh conductor.-Professional career:Francis was the principal conductor of the Ulster Orchestra from 1966 for ten years...
is OFUNAM's current art conductor, and Mexican Rodrigo Macías is the assistant conductor.