José Antonio Molina Leads Dominican Republic's National Symphony Orchestra in 85th Anniversary

The Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional (OSN) of the Dominican Republic marked its 85th anniversary, commemorating its founding on August 5, 1941. Director José Antonio Molina, who assumed the post in 2009, highlighted the responsibility of leading an institution with a long legacy and praised its versatility in performing a wide range of musical styles.

Molina recalled initiating a comprehensive audition of the orchestra in 2009, a step he says sparked a new era of growth. Seventeen years later, he described the ensemble’s transformation and its rising stature in the regional symphonic scene. The celebrations began earlier in the year with educational concerts and culminated in a gala performance of Carl Orff’s "Carmina Burana," which Molina called a historic milestone for Dominican music and culture.

The OSN operates under the Dirección General de Bellas Artes of the Ministry of Culture, continuing the legacy of founders such as Enrique Casal Chapí and other notable maestros.