The Sociedad Musical La Lira: pioneer of urugayan musical institutionality

Abstract

The Sociedad Musical incorporated in Montevideo in 1873, designated Sociedad Musical La Lira in 1875, and Conservatorio Musical La Lira since 1885 was a pioneer Uruguayan musical corporation. Its journey merged Uruguayan cultural history from the 19th century —at the time considered by historiography as the national Uruguayan regulation era— to the mid-20th century, precisely 1953 when the establishment of the Conservatorio Nacional de Música took place in the public sector. This article describes the achievements of the Society and its management scheme to establish concert seasons in pursuit of educating audiences for chamber and symphonic music, the creation of performance entities comprising both dilettanti and professional musicians, and the organization of music instruction in Montevideo.