La presencia de las mujeres en las orquestas sinfónicas españolas

Abstract

In the field of music, it is essential to raise awareness of gender equality, since inequalities are notorious from the choice of learning an instrument, or the professionalization of female performers, to the conformation of instrumental staffs and orchestral leadership. This paper examines the presence of women instrumentalists and conductors in Spanish professional orchestras. For this purpose, the staffs of 26 orchestras from 13 autonomous communities are analysed, and a comparison of the distribution of instrumentalists by sex is established. The quantitative data reveal a male preponderance, in general, as well as in some sections and roles, in particular. Although there has been some progress in terms of female presence, it is still necessary to deepen equality policies on the part of the public administrations on which these orchestras depend.