A musician from the Minas Gerais Symphony Orchestra—participating in Latin America’s largest festival-school in Jaraguá do Sul, Santa Catarina—read a letter to the assembled audience
This Saturday evening (the 17th) at the Santa Catarina International Music Festival (FEMUSC) in Jaraguá do Sul was marked by a show of solidarity with Brazilian conductor Ligia Amadio. She was recently dismissed from her roles as music director and principal conductor of the Minas Gerais Symphony Orchestra after speaking out at a public hearing about the precarious wages and working conditions faced by the orchestra’s musicians.
Before Ligia took the stage to conduct the FEMUSC Symphony Orchestra during the festival’s “Grand Concerts” series, Nara Franca Rodrigues—a flutist with the Minas Gerais orchestra for over a decade and a student participant at FEMUSC—asked the musicians for permission to read a letter in support of the conductor.
“Beyond being a pioneering woman in conducting—far ahead of her time—she possesses a rare and deeply democratic quality: she was elected by the musicians themselves in every orchestra where she served as principal conductor. This speaks volumes about who she is, the trust she inspires, and the leadership she demonstrates,” reads an excerpt from the letter.
As Nara read, the other 80 musicians in the orchestra remained standing, holding their instruments, as did all the FEMUSC professionals.
“A conductor who, with courage and bravery, stands by her own people, gives a voice to her musicians, and takes risks in the name of justice and dignity is a conductor we can trust. And someone like that deserves recognition, respect, and unwavering support,” the letter continues.
Visibly moved, Nara concluded by saying, “You have always held our hands, and we won’t let go of yours either. We are all in this together.” She received a standing ovation from the audience as Ligia walked onto the stage, clearly emotional.
Offstage, the flutist spoke further about her relationship with Ligia: “The conductor is someone who inspires the best in us. Salary is important, but we chose to make music a devotion—a calling—and Ligia fosters and inspires that in the musicians, rekindling the initial spark that led us to start studying and making music. She has breathed life into our orchestra,” she said with emotion.
Meanwhile, conductor Alex Klein, artistic director of FEMUSC, emphasized the importance of the fight for decent working conditions for the profession. “Ligia is someone who champions the musician’s profession, and all FEMUSC students owe a debt of gratitude to professionals like her who are fighting for better working conditions.”
Read the full letter below
Good evening, everyone.
I ask for your indulgence for a few moments to offer a tribute and a public gesture of support.
I am here to speak about what Conductor Ligia Amadio represents: an example of strength, courage, dedication, and, above all, dignity. Ligia Amadio is the conductor of the Minas Gerais Symphony Orchestra. I say “is” because I speak from the heart.
Beyond being a pioneering woman in the field of conducting—far ahead of her time—she possesses a
rare and deeply democratic quality: she was elected by the musicians themselves in every orchestra where she served as principal conductor. This speaks volumes about who she is, the trust she inspires, and the leadership she demonstrates.
Recently, during our collective vacation period, the leadership of the Clóvis Salgado Foundation—the institution to which the OSMG is affiliated—decided to dismiss our conductor. This action took place shortly after she had highlighted the abysmal salary conditions faced by the orchestra’s musicians during a public hearing held in her honor.
A conductor who, with courage and bravery, stands by her people, gives a voice to her
musicians, and takes risks in the name of justice and dignity is a conductor we can trust. And someone like that deserves recognition, respect, and unwavering support.
There is no need for me to present Conductor Ligia Amadio’s résumé here. Tonight, you will witness her conducting, her elegance, her total commitment, and the great, audience-acclaimed artist that she is.
But it must be said how much we have all lost—not just artistically, but above all, in terms of integrity.
My purpose today is to express—as a student at FEMUSC, as a colleague of the musicians here, and as a flutist with the Minas Gerais Philharmonic Orchestra—my condemnation of this action and my plea for the return of our conductor, our daily source of inspiration, to our orchestra.
Amadio—a woman who loves and fears God, who devotes herself to music as a sacred calling, and who calls each of her students “love”—deserves our utmost respect.
Dearest Ligia, you have always held our hands; we will not let go of yours, either.
We stand together.
About FEMUSC
FEMUSC is Latin America’s largest classical music festival and educational program. Marking its 21st anniversary in 2026, the Santa Catarina International Music Festival brings together over 400 students from nearly every Brazilian state and 21 countries—from January 11 to 24—for 14 days of learning, cultural exchange, and abundant music alongside faculty members from the world’s most renowned orchestras. The community of Jaraguá do Sul and the surrounding region enthusiastically embraces the festival, packing the 200 free concerts held at the SCAR Cultural Center and various venues across the city; the event draws an audience of over 30,000 people and leaves a lasting legacy in the region and in the lives of every student. For more information, visit 🔗 www.femusc.com.br
Image credit: Diego Redel
