Mariachi Vargas

Tulsa Symphony to play with Mariachi Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, México’s foremost mariachi band

Tulsa, Oklahoma - On November 18th, 2023 at 8 p.m., Tulsa will be regaled with the sounds of Mariachi music alongside the sounds of Tulsa Symphony, a first of its kind fusion of cultures and musical styles in Tulsa, and in fact in most of the midwest. This historical cultural project is the brainchild of local singer and violinist, Hugo Salcedo and will take place at the Performing Arts Center's Chapman Music Hall.

Salcedo, a classically trained singer and violinist, carries Mariachi music in his heart, most especially, the music of Mariachi Vargas de Tecatitlán for very personal reasons. “When I first saw the violin section of Mariachi Vargas live, I was transformed. I immediately shed all the aversion, laziness, and lack of motivation I’d had up until that point.” Recounts Salcedo. His first encounter with Mariachi Vargas was a transformative event in his musical journey, and this event is a dream come true.

Founded in 1897, Mariachi Vargas de Tecatitlán is the mariachi band with the longest trajectory in México and the world. Furthermore, the band’s ever constant pursuit of excellence, resulted in them holding the title of World’s Best Mariachi since the 1950s.

Mariachi music is considered a Cultural Patrimony of Humanity, according to UNESCO (The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization). “Mariachi is a traditional Mexican music and a fundamental element of Mexican culture. Traditional Mariachi groups, made up of two or more members, wear regional costumes adapted from the charro costume and interpret a broad repertoire of songs on stringed instruments.” (Unesco.org)

Most importantly, Mariachi music is popular music interpreted with great complexity, heart and passion. Mariachi music is the perfect accompaniment for both heartbreak, and joy, as those who attend this upcoming performance will see, and hear. Also, mariachi-style arrangements have been used to up the ante of popular operas and classical music.

In the case of Mariachi Vargas, whose members are masterful musicians, they have the ability to easily accompany the most veteran of artists. Such is the case with some of the most acclaimed musicians and symphonies they have performed with. Andrea Bocelli, Luciano Pavarotti, Plácido Domingo, and an infinite number of well-known artists, symphonies and philharmonics around the world have collaborated with Mariachi Vargas de Tecatitlán. 

Mariachi Vargas has serenaded the world with their exquisite renditions of Mexican traditional music, as well as opera classics and various instrumental music arranged in Mariachi-style. On Saturday, November 18th, at 8 p.m., Mariachi Vargas de Tecatitlán will grace the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, and the city of Tulsa, along with the Tulsa Symphony, in what promises to be an unforgettable musical fusion of cultures.