60 years of the greatness of the OSIPN

It will be celebrated with a great concert on April 10 at 19:00.

Karla Reynoso

The Symphony Orchestra of the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (OSIPN) is about to write a new chapter in its history as it celebrates its 60th anniversary. Six decades of musical excellence, tradition, and innovation will unfold through a series of commemorative events that will leave a lasting impression on the Politécnico community and the country’s cultural scene.

On April 10 at 7:00 PM, the “Jaime Torres Bodet” Cultural Center will open its doors to symphonic music lovers with the grand concert Fanfares for the OSIPN. The evening will be dedicated to one of the most revolutionary and electrifying works in history: The Rite of Spring by Igor Stravinsky, a piece that has defied conventions and shaped generations of music lovers since its premiere in 1913.

“This anniversary is a unique opportunity to reflect on our history and look toward the future. OSIPN has been a cradle of talent and a driving force for artistic transformation, and with this concert, we want to share that passion with the entire Politécnico community and the public at large,” said Maestro Vladimir Sagaydo, artistic director of the orchestra.

OSIPN AND ITS IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY

OSIPN is much more than a symphony orchestra—it has been a space for growth, inspiration, and learning. Maestro Guillermo Orta once said, “Music is the humanization of technique in the machinery of daily life,” a concept that reflects the spirit of the Politécnico and exemplifies how art can be woven into academic life to enrich students’ experiences.

During the most challenging times, such as the pandemic, OSIPN demonstrated its adaptability by maintaining a connection with its audience through virtual concerts. This not only brought music into thousands of homes but also reaffirmed the orchestra’s commitment to its cultural mission.

A key milestone in OSIPN’s history came in 2004 when Maestra Gabriela Alatriste became the first woman to conduct the orchestra. This groundbreaking moment paved the way for new generations of women conductors in Mexico and marked a transformative shift within the ensemble.

AN INCLUSIVE AND FORWARD-THINKING FUTURE

As OSIPN marks its 60th anniversary, it is also charting a path toward a more inclusive and innovative future. One of the most significant initiatives is the First Call for Women Composers, which aims to promote the visibility and talent of Mexican female composers in the classical music scene.

Through this call, the IPN opens an unprecedented space for gender-focused musical creation, empowering women whose compositions will enrich the national symphonic landscape. The winning piece will premiere with OSIPN at the end of 2025, reinforcing its commitment to equity in music.

In addition to this initiative, the Lotería Nacional will release a commemorative lottery ticket in honor of OSIPN, recognizing its legacy and profound impact on Mexico’s musical history. This tribute is a symbol of the orchestra’s significance in national culture and its forward-looking vision.

VOICES THAT SHAPED THE JOURNEY

Maestro Roberto Llamas, OSIPN’s longest-serving member, reflected on how the orchestra has shaped him as both a musician and a person. “This ensemble has allowed me to grow—not just as a performer, but as a human being. I’ve watched generations come and go, but the spirit of OSIPN lives on in all of us. That’s what makes it unique,” he said, highlighting the impact of the group on his career and on the lives of all who have been part of it.

OSIPN’s 60th anniversary is not only a celebration of its past but also a promise for its future. As the orchestra continues to grow, it reminds us that music is more than a discipline—it’s a universal language that connects, moves and transforms. Today, more than ever, the Politécnico community is invited to be part of a legacy that continues to make history.