In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, we continue to recognize the scientific, economic, cultural, political, and social contributions of influential immigrants and refugees who’ve helped shape the vibrant tapestry of America. Today, we spotlight Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Assistant Conductor Fernanda Lastra of Argentina.
Fernanda Lastra was born in Mar del Plata, Argentina. Her passion for music started at just three years old when her father introduced her to songs and poems that she would memorize. The early experiences led to the request for piano lessons a few years later. Lastra credits her involvement in a 180-person chorus at age 15 with inspiring her professional journey. The group’s collaboration with an orchestra to perform Beethoven’s Symphony No.9 left young Fernanda emotionally overwhelmed. She says that helped her understand the immense possibilities for expression through music.
In 2016, due to a lack of opportunity and mentorship for female conductors in Argentina, Lastra left her job as a university professor to pursue her education and career in the United States of America. She has earned two Bachelor’s Degrees in Orchestral and Choral Conduction from La Plata National University, a Master’s degree in Orchestral Conducting from Penn State University, and a Doctoral degree in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Iowa. She is trained in piano and viola.
Today, Fernanda is a passionate and creative orchestral conductor who wears multiple hats. She leads the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra in several concerts annually as assistant conductor under the distinguished music director and conductor JoAnn Falletta. She serves as lead conductor for the BPO’s Kids series, youth concerts, summer series, and community engagement performances. She is also the guest director of the Buffalo State Philharmonia Orchestra for the 2024–2025 academic year.
Committed to featuring diverse voices in concert halls, Fernanda advocates for well-balanced and diverse programs that enhance the overall concert experience. She is passionate about community engagement and music education, as she believes in the transformative power of music to unite, heal, and develop emotional intelligence.
In November, Fernanda Lastra is scheduled to receive the “Career Advancement Award” at the Women in Classical Music Symposium, hosted by the Dallas Symphony.
Read more about the other immigrants and refugees we’ve featured during National Hispanic Heritage Month:
Andy García: Cuban American Actor
Jon Secada: Cuban Amercian Musician
Shakira: Colombian American Musician