FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Nick Dobreff, Communications and Creative Director
616.485.3913 (m) – 303.308.2477 (o)
CELEBRATE THE RHYTHMS OF LATIN AMERICA: NINTH ANNUAL LATIN BEATS HIGHLIGHTS AFRO-MEXICAN HERITAGE
Sep. 9, 2025 – Denver, CO – The Mexican Cultural Center and the Colorado Symphony are excited to present the ninth edition of Latin Beats: Sonidos de las Américas on Thursday, September 25, at 7:00 p.m. at Boettcher Concert Hall. This free concert, a signature event of Denver’s Hispanic Heritage Month, brings the community together for an evening of music and dance inspired by the rich traditions of Latin America. This year’s program shines a spotlight on Afro-Mexican culture and rhythms.
Attendees will be immersed in the rich sounds of Mexico, from vibrant folk melodies and heartfelt rancheras to moving operatic selections that showcase the country’s diverse musical heritage — all brought to life by an extraordinary roster of guest performers. Featured artists include Denver’s own Mariachi Sol de Mi Tierra, the region’s premier mariachi ensemble known for their authentic and energetic sound; soprano Alicia Irigoyen Herch, celebrated for her powerful voice and expressive artistry; a special joint performance by El Sistema Colorado — a youth music program transforming lives through classical training and performance — and Centro Educativo Musical Tomza (CEMUT) from Juárez, Mexico, recognized for nurturing young talent and preserving regional traditions; and the dazzling folkloric dance troupe ArtistiCO, acclaimed for bringing Mexican heritage to life through movement and storytelling.
The evening will also feature the Colorado Symphony Association Chorus and Percussionists, adding their signature power and depth to the program. Guests will also enjoy a special pre-concert lobby performance by El Sistema Colorado.
This year’s concert features a special collaboration with the Consulate General of Mexico in Denver, highlighting Yanga by acclaimed Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz. Premiered in 2019 at Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, this striking orchestral work is inspired by Gaspar Yanga, a 16th-century African prince who was enslaved in Mexico and went on to lead a successful revolt, founding the first free Black settlement in the Americas. Through bold, evocative soundscapes, Ortiz honors Yanga’s legacy and explores themes of resistance, resilience, and the enduring fight for freedom.
“Latin Beats 2025 is a celebration of our shared heritage, honoring Latino traditions through music and, as always, highlighting the richness of Mexican culture,” says Rachel Garcia, Executive Director of the Mexican Cultural Center. “This year, we are thrilled to feature incredible artists and diverse talents, with a special spotlight on Afro-Mexican heritage through Gabriela Ortiz’s powerful composition, Yanga.”
“Latin Beats has always been a celebration of the rich diversity of Latin American music, and this year we’re especially proud to highlight the Afro-Mexican story through Gabriela Ortiz’s powerful work Yanga,” said Tony Pierce, Chief Artistic Officer for the Colorado Symphony. “Our longstanding collaboration with the Mexican Cultural Center makes this concert a true community celebration, and we’re thrilled to once again partner with El Sistema Colorado to inspire the next generation of musicians and audiences through this vibrant program.”
Free tickets will be available beginning Thursday, September 11, at the Boettcher Concert Hall Box Office. Hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Saturday, 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Tickets are required for entry but do not guarantee seating. All seats are first-come, first-served.
The Mexican Cultural Center gratefully acknowledge our sponsors and Partners: Colorado Symphony Association, The Consulate General of Mexico in Denver, Chevron, US Bank, Bonfils Stanton Foundation, SCFD (Scientific and Cultural Facilities District), Mile High United Way, Telemundo Colorado, CBS Colorado, Denver Arts and Venues, Huntington Bank, Denver Art Museum, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, Denver International Airport, Creative West, Denver Human Rights & Community Partnerships, The Women’s Foundation of Colorado, CEASColorado.ORG, Civic Center Conservancy, Donate Life Colorado, El Comercio Colorado, and Campos Law Firm. We also thank our generous donors, including El Tequileño Family Mexican Restaurant, Joyería 0720, Sandoval Agencies LLC, Triumph Business Service LLC, Blooming Ideas, Los Caramelos Dulceria, Silva Orthodontics, Lupita’s Event Center, Elotes Pueblita, Spicy Catering, La Catrina Grill, and Silvia’s Kitchen.
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CONTACT:
For more information or to request interviews, please contact:
Nick Dobreff, Communications and Creative Director
ndobreff@coloradosymphony.org - 303.308.2477 (o)
For high-resolution, downloadable images of the Colorado Symphony, contact: ndobreff@coloradosymphony.org
Support for the 2025/26 Colorado Symphony Season is provided by: The Scientific & Cultural Facilities District (SCFD), Genesee Mountain Foundation, Denver Arts & Venues, Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, Schoen Foundation, and the Colorado Symphony Guild.
TICKETS:
Tickets to Colorado Symphony events are available online at coloradosymphony.org/tickets, by phone at 303.623.7876, and in person at the Boettcher Concert Hall Box Office, Denver Performing Arts Complex, 1000 14th Street. The Box Office is open Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday, noon – 5 p.m., and two hours prior to each performance.
ABOUT THE MEXICAN CULTURAL CENTER
Founded in 1992, the Mexican Cultural Center is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization that works in partnership with cultural, educational and other institutions to promote and maintain the richness of Mexican culture in the State of Colorado. The Mexican Cultural Center is dedicated to increasing awareness of Mexico’s unique arts, customs, traditions and destinations among the audiences of the United States of America. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and subscribe to our newsletter by visiting our website at www.mccdenver.org or by calling 303-331-0172.
ABOUT THE COLORADO SYMPHONY
One of the leading orchestras in the United States, the Colorado Symphony Association is a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) organization performing more than 150 concerts annually at Boettcher Concert Hall in downtown Denver and across Colorado. Led by Music Director Peter Oundjian, the Colorado Symphony is home to eighty full-time musicians, representing more than a dozen nations, and regularly welcomes the most celebrated artists from the world of symphonic music and beyond. The orchestra celebrated its Centennial during the 2023/24 concert season. In the last year, the Colorado Symphony served over 340,000 people attending live performances at concert and non-traditional venues throughout Colorado’s Front Range. Recognized as an incubator of innovation, creativity, and excellence, the Colorado Symphony continually expands its reach through in-person and virtual education programs, outreach, and programming. The Colorado Symphony partners with the state’s leading musical artists, cultural organizations, corporations, foundations, sports teams, and individuals to expose diverse audiences to the transformative power of music. To learn more, visit coloradosymphony.org.