Conversatorio: Las mujeres en la música colombiana | lanzamiento revista A Contratiempo n.° 31

Introduction to the Conversatorio

Welcome and Context

• The National Library of Colombia welcomes attendees to a discussion on the role of women in Colombian music, coinciding with the launch of issue 31 of "A Contratiempo," a publication by the library's musical documentation center.

• The event features notable guests including Diana Burco, Daniela Cura, and Laura Galindo, who represent various aspects of contemporary Colombian music.

Themes Addressed

• The central theme focuses on women's contributions to new Colombian music, highlighting pioneering figures like Esther Forero who paved the way for younger artists.

• Discussions will also cover gender equity in the music industry and the current global landscape for female artists involved in music.

Director's Remarks

Importance of "A Contratiempo"

• Diana Patricia Restrepo Torres emphasizes that "A Contratiempo" is a significant publication for Colombia's music scene and serves as a reference point for Latin America.

• The magazine has adopted a new editorial vision that incorporates diverse voices from musicologists and performers reflecting contemporary musical trends in Colombia.

Call to Action

• Restrepo encourages readers to engage with the library’s resources, including scores and recordings available within its collection.

• She expresses hope that this new issue will revitalize interest in the magazine and invites everyone to enjoy both the quality discussions and performances at this event.

Presentation Video

Overview of "A Contratiempo" History

• A video presentation outlines the history of "A Contratiempo," showcasing its evolution since its founding in 1987 as a key resource for musicians and researchers interested in Colombian musical expressions.

• The magazine has undergone three major phases with varying thematic focuses and graphic proposals, adapting from print to digital formats while combining academic texts with more accessible content.

Contributions to Music Preservation

• "A Contratiempo" has highlighted both traditional Colombian music and academic avant-gardes while working towards preserving and promoting Colombia's musical heritage.

• Since becoming digital at issue 13, it has embraced internationalization and interactive engagement with readers.

Future Directions

Continuing Legacy

• The editorial committee aims to foster conversations about national music through multidisciplinary work while ensuring that "A Contratiempo" remains an essential platform for documenting Colombia’s musical memory.

• Issue 31 specifically aims to spotlight women's roles in new Colombian music, featuring contributions from prominent journalists and researchers led by Laura Galindo as editorial advisor.

New Identity

• A refreshed graphic identity represents not only this issue but also signifies a new phase for "A Contratiempo." Thank you is extended for participation in this important conversation regarding women's roles in Colombian music.

Discussion on Women in Colombian Music

Introduction to Key Figures

• Diana Burco's album was nominated for a Latin Grammy in 2018, making her the first woman to achieve this nomination in the cumbia/vallenato genre. This highlights women's representation in musical environments traditionally dominated by men.

• Daniela Cura, a cultural manager and music researcher, authored "Esther Forero: La Caminadora," focusing on a pioneering woman in Colombian music. Her work emphasizes gender studies within musicology.

Moderation and Context

• Aura Galindo, a pianist and cultural journalist with two Simón Bolívar journalism awards, moderates the discussion. She expresses gratitude for being part of this conversation alongside respected women in music.

• The aim is to explore the presence of women in new Colombian music and understand their experiences within cultural contexts.

Gender Perspectives in Music

• The conversation seeks to define what it means to be a woman participating in interpretative roles within Colombia's evolving musical landscape.

• Historical context is provided regarding how different genres have transitioned from popular to classical status over time, indicating shifts in societal perceptions of music.

Challenges Faced by Women Musicians

• A pivotal question arises about whether being a musician differs based on gender; Daniela asserts that it is indeed different due to societal contexts affecting women's participation.

• Women musicians often face exclusion as they navigate public spaces typically dominated by men, highlighting systemic barriers within the musical field.

Importance of Gender Perspective

• Daniela advocates for writing music history through a gender lens, emphasizing feminist perspectives that recognize women's struggles and contributions.

• The discussion reflects on diverse experiences among women musicians—socially, anthropologically, musically—and how these intersect with their artistic practices.

Personal Experiences and Reflections

• Diana shares her journey as an accordionist and acknowledges the challenges she faces compared to male counterparts. She emphasizes the importance of creating her narrative as a female musician.

• Reflecting on her path reveals difficulties finding role models; she stresses the need for representation among female musicians.

Instruments and Gender Constructs

• The dialogue shifts towards whether instruments carry gender connotations. Daniela argues that while instruments should not have assigned genders, societal constructs often influence perceptions around them.

• Discussions arise about how social constructions assign gender roles within musical genres and instruments, impacting both men's and women's experiences differently.

Exploring Gender Constructs in Music

Historical Context of Instruments and Gender

• The cello was historically viewed as an instrument inappropriate for women due to the physical posture required, reflecting societal norms that restricted women's roles.

• There are misconceptions about women's physical capabilities regarding instruments like drums and tubas, showcasing how social constructs influence perceptions of gender and music.

• Musical genres and instruments are deeply intertwined with gender interpretations, affecting how music is created and performed. The piano, often seen as a domestic instrument, exemplifies this bias.

• The piano's association with upper-class women confined them to private spaces, contrasting with more public instruments like guitars or trumpets that were accessible to men.

• Women faced barriers in professional music education; they were often limited to playing simpler pieces at home rather than competing in professional arenas.

Personal Journey into Music

• Diana discusses the accordion's masculine reputation linked to male-dominated performance contexts and rivalries within musical genres.

• Initially trained in classical violin, Diana felt disconnected from her early musical experiences until she discovered vallenato music at age 12, which resonated more with her identity.

• Influenced by her father's love for vallenato, Diana sought a connection to her cultural roots through music that represented her community rather than traditional classical training.

• Her exploration led her to discover local musicians and styles that reflected the vibrancy of street performances, marking a significant shift in her musical journey.

• Diana emphasizes the importance of evolving musically while acknowledging the historical influences on instruments like the accordion across various Colombian genres.

Challenges Faced by Female Musicians

• Upon expressing interest in studying accordion in Valledupar, Diana encountered skepticism about women playing traditionally masculine instruments.

• Initial reactions from teachers highlighted societal views on gender roles within music; being a woman playing an accordion was perceived as unusual or exotic.

Exploring Gender and Music: A Personal Journey

The Impact of Cultural Expectations on Musical Expression

• The speaker reflects on their early experiences in music, highlighting the stark gender disparity in a vallenato festival where 60 boys competed against only 3 girls, leading to immense pressure and societal expectations about how men and women should perform.

• They express frustration over the cultural norms that allow such gender biases to persist without challenge, noting their initial detachment from the Caribbean culture prevalent in Santander.

• A pivotal moment occurs at age 16 when they meet Rita Fernández, who teaches them that music itself is not responsible for surrounding societal issues, prompting a broader understanding of their artistic journey.

Transformation Through Education and Self-Discovery

• The speaker moves to Bogotá to study music at Javeriana University, discovering parallels between their experiences and those of other musicians facing similar challenges across different genres.

• They discuss the internal struggles faced as an artist, emphasizing the need for self-liberation from invisible constraints imposed by society.

Embracing Legacy While Seeking Change

• Collaborating with Danny García on two albums allows them to respect musical traditions while also pursuing transformation within those frameworks.

• The conversation shifts towards personal battles with self-doubt and identity as an artist, particularly regarding authorship and recognition in a male-dominated field.

Understanding Authorial Anxiety in Female Musicians

• The concept of "anxiety of authorship," introduced by Marcia Citrón, resonates deeply with the speaker as they relate it to their own struggles with completing a composition degree due to feelings of inadequacy.

• This anxiety stems from being in an environment not designed for women creators, leading to ambivalence about one's creative abilities and place within the industry.

Navigating Gender Prejudices in Artistic Spaces

• The speaker highlights the dual challenges female artists face: excelling creatively while combating pervasive gender stereotypes that label them negatively if they deviate from traditional roles.

• They articulate how these prejudices manifest as societal pressures that can undermine confidence and lead to self-doubt among women artists striving for recognition.

Historical Context of Female Composers' Struggles

• Citing Clara Schumann's poignant reflections on her own doubts about creativity illustrates historical patterns of female composers grappling with self-worth amidst societal skepticism regarding women's capabilities in music composition.

• Esther Forero’s perspective reinforces this theme; she describes composing as an act requiring courage due to prevailing attitudes toward women musicians during her time.

Exploring Women's Contributions to Music History

The Struggles of Female Composers

• The discussion begins with the notion that at the turn of the century, few women were recognized for composing popular music, leading to a profound internal struggle and anxiety regarding authorship.

• Clara Schumann is introduced as an example; she is often remembered primarily as Robert Schumann's wife rather than for her own accomplishments as a composer and pianist.

• Fanny Mendelssohn's story is highlighted, noting that she was frequently overshadowed by her brother Felix Mendelssohn in historical accounts, despite her significant contributions to music.

Fanny Mendelssohn's Challenges

• Fanny faced restrictions on her ability to compose; she had to seek permission from her father and brother before creating music, illustrating the societal constraints placed on women artists.

• Despite having supportive relationships, such as with her husband who encouraged her creativity, Fanny still encountered limitations imposed by family expectations regarding gender roles in art.

• There are revelations about Fanny’s works being misattributed to Felix due to her signing some pieces as "E. Mendelssohn," complicating recognition of her authorship.

Interconnected Stories of Women in Music

• The conversation connects various women's experiences in music history, suggesting a narrative thread linking figures like Clara Schumann and Esther Forero through their struggles with authorship anxiety across different eras and cultures.

• Virginia Woolf’s fictional character Judith Shakespeare serves as a metaphor for talented women whose artistic aspirations were stifled by societal norms—paralleling Fanny Mendelssohn’s life story.

Modern Reflections on Historical Context

• The discussion transitions into contemporary examples of female musicians like Diana who continue to navigate similar challenges today while contributing uniquely to their musical heritage.

• A poignant anecdote about Nannerl Mozart illustrates how even prodigious talent can be curtailed by societal expectations regarding marriage over career for women in classical music.

Personal Journeys and Achievements

• The speaker reflects on personal growth through embracing diverse musical paths and achieving recognition within traditionally male-dominated genres like vallenato music.

• Recognition at prestigious awards (e.g., Grammy nominations) signifies progress for women in music, emphasizing the importance of telling one’s own story amidst historical narratives that often overlook female contributions.

• A sense of solidarity emerges among female musicians today, highlighting shared experiences and collective empowerment through storytelling and artistic expression.

Transformation in Society and Music Education

Societal Changes and Perspectives

• The speaker discusses a gradual transformation within society, emphasizing that both men and women are becoming more aware of the need for change in perspectives regarding gender roles.

• The speaker expresses a personal decision to focus on positive aspects of current societal changes, particularly for the sake of their daughter’s health and well-being.

Personal Experiences in Music Education

• A question arises about the speaker's involvement with students; currently, they are focused solely on their career but express interest in teaching music.

• A touching moment is shared where a saxophone student reaches out to become the speaker's mentee, igniting a desire to nurture future generations of female musicians.

Goals and Aspirations

• The speaker reflects on their goal of mentoring students as one of their most fulfilling aspirations, akin to wanting children but desiring students instead.

• There is an acknowledgment that having students brings immense gratification, highlighting the importance of leaving a legacy through education.

Awareness of Inequity in Music

Growing Consciousness About Gender Inequality

• The discussion shifts towards increased awareness regarding inequities within traditional music settings compared to five years ago when such topics were often dismissed.

• The speaker notes that while there is greater consciousness now, it may not be directed appropriately as categories for women in music have emerged.

Categories and Their Implications

• A distinction is made between male directors versus female directors in music journalism, suggesting that this categorization reinforces existing biases rather than promoting equality.

• The conversation touches upon feminist musicology debates about whether differentiation should exist due to distinct struggles faced by women in the industry.

Inclusion vs. Differentiation

Perspectives on Inclusion

• Different viewpoints emerge regarding whether inclusion efforts should acknowledge gender differences or strive for equal treatment across all musicians regardless of gender.

Importance of Visibility

• It’s emphasized that creating platforms focusing on women's contributions to music is essential due to historical erasure from narratives surrounding musical achievements.

Case Study: Women in Vallenato Festival

Evolving Participation at Festivals

• A specific example from the Vallenato festival illustrates how previously male-dominated spaces are beginning to include more female participants due to changing perceptions about women's capabilities.

Seeking Balance

• The speaker advocates for achieving balance rather than competition based solely on gender, reflecting on personal experiences within mixed-gender environments.

Discussion on Gender and Music in Colombia

Perceptions of Female Musicians

• The speaker expresses feelings of being judged for their unique style of playing music, suggesting a need to move beyond viewing different styles as better or worse.

• During a festival, the lack of female representation is noted, highlighting efforts to include more women in music and the pressure to appear inclusive without genuine involvement.

Festivals Promoting Women in Music

• The "Encuentro Vallenato Femenino" festival since 2016 is mentioned as a positive space for women musicians, showcasing various roles like percussionists and bassists.

• The speaker appreciates initiatives focused solely on women but reflects on feeling attacked by such exclusivity at times.

Gender Bias in Music Education

• An anecdote illustrates gender bias in music education; a male student receives praise while a female student faces harsher criticism from their professor.

• This disparity highlights societal stereotypes that lead to different standards for men and women within artistic fields.

Breaking Barriers in Classical Music

• Marin Alsop's experience as one of the few female conductors emphasizes the challenges faced by women in classical music, where only 5% of orchestras have female conductors.

• A story about Alsop's reception at a festival underscores the biases present even among peers and audiences regarding gender roles.

Celebrating Women's Voices in Colombian Music

• The introduction to an edition of "Contratiempo" magazine focuses on women's contributions to Colombian music through critical perspectives and personal experiences.

• Listeners are encouraged to explore works by female journalists and musicians featured in this issue, emphasizing the importance of diverse voices.

Performance Highlight: "Mala"

• Diana Burco introduces her song "Mala," which addresses societal double standards regarding behavior based on gender.

• The lyrics reflect how women's actions are often judged more harshly than men's, challenging perceptions around morality.

Performance Highlight: "Negra del Sur"

• Burco discusses her collaboration with rapper Sting on "Negra del Sur," exploring themes of cultural identity through cumbia and rap.

Cultural Expression in Afro-Colombian Music

The Essence of Afro-Colombian Culture

• The speaker highlights the beauty of Afro culture in Colombia, emphasizing its rich musical heritage.

• A personal declaration is made with the phrase "soy negro un bombero," which translates to "I am black a firefighter," showcasing pride in identity.

• The mention of "toque el cuero del tambor" (touch the skin of the drum) signifies a deep connection to traditional drumming and its cultural significance.

• The introduction of cumbia music is noted, described as not being exclusively white or brown, indicating inclusivity within the genre.

• References to various identities and experiences are woven into the lyrics, illustrating a celebration of diversity within Afro-Colombian communities.