Yabetza Vivas-Irizarry is an emerging Puerto Rican conductor known for her charismatic stage presence, nuanced interpretations, and commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity in classical music. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Yabetza developed a deep passion for music at a young age, inspired by the vibrant rhythms and melodies of her island’s rich musical heritage. Among her distinctions is being the first Puerto Rican woman to conduct a classical season concert with the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra.
Maestra Vivas-Irizarry is dedicated to championing the works of underrepresented composers, particularly those from Puerto Rico and Latin America. Through her programming choices, she strives to celebrate the diverse musical expressions of her culture, infusing her performances with the richness and vibrancy of her heritage. Since the 2020-21 season, Vivas-Irizarry has appeared as a fellow guest conductor of the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra (OSPR), with whom she recorded two virtual concerts and conducted three successful season concerts. In addition, she conducted a virtual production and the premiere of the new comic opera ¿Y Los Pasteles? Ópera Jíbara in Two Acts by the Puerto Rican female composer Johanny Navarro. The development received funding from OPERA America’s Opera Grants for Female Composers program, supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation, and Opera of Puerto Rico sponsored the production.
In addition to her artistic endeavors, Maestra Vivas-Irizarry is a passionate advocate for music education and community engagement, believing in the transformative power of music to inspire, heal, and unite communities. Through workshops, outreach programs, and educational initiatives, she works tirelessly to foster the next generation of talent and is committed to providing guidance and support to aspiring musicians and conductors, particularly women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. This led her to become the musical director of the Puerto Rican Youth Symphony Orchestra’s El Sistema 100 x 35 program.
From 2019 to 2022, Vivas-Irizarry received mentorship from Music Director Mei-Ann Chen as a Freeman Conducting Fellow with the Chicago Sinfonietta. Highlights from the 2023/24 season include guest conducting a Mother’s Day POPS concert of the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra.
Throughout her career, Vivas-Irizarry has worked with renowned conductors such as Mei-Ann Chen, Dr. Emily Freeman-Brown, Kenneth Kiesler, and Roselín Pabón. She has also participated in various conducting master’s classes in the USA and England. Professionally, Vivas-Irizarry has conducted Angélica Negrón’s What keeps me awake, Amy Beach’s Gaelic Symphony, Johanny Navarro’s ¿Y los Pasteles? Opera, Aaron Jay Kernis’s On Wings of Light, Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in C major, Aaron Copland’s Suite from Appalachian Spring, Frank Loesser’s musical The Most Happy Fella, Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez, Beethoven’s Symphony no.7 in A Major, Shostakovich’s Chamber Symphony Op. 110a, Dvorak’s Symphony No. 7, Poulenc’s Gloria, Barber’s Knoxville: Summer of 1915, Britten’s Simple Symphony No. 4, and more. Furthermore, Vivas-Irizarry has accompanied solo musicians such as clarinetist Kathleen Jones, oboist Ivonne Pérez, guitarist Matthew Ardizzone, soprano Meechot Marrero, and tenor Pedro Arroyo.
Maestra Vivas-Irizarry currently serves as the manager of the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra; holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Choral Music Education from the Puerto Rico Music Conservatory and a Master of Music degree in Orchestra Conducting from Bowling Green State University.
