Sones de México Ensemble

Overview

Sones de México Ensemble is a U.S.-based, 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting a greater appreciation of Mexican folk and traditional music and culture through innovative performances, education, and dissemination. Founded in 1994 in Chicago's historic Pilsen neighborhood, the ensemble has become the country's premier folk music organization specializing in Mexican son, including regional styles such as huapango, gustos, chilenas, and son jarocho.

History

The ensemble was formed to keep the tradition of Mexican son alive in its many regional forms. Over the years, it has grown from a quartet to a sextet of multi-instrumentalists. Founding members include Juan Díes and Gonzalo Cordova, who have been joined by Lorena Iñiguez, Zacbé Pichardo, Eric Hines, and Rudy Piñón. The group has developed and popularized original arrangements of Mexican traditional tunes, touring throughout the United States and internationally at prestigious venues including the Getty Museum, Carnegie Hall, and the Kennedy Center.

Mission and Vision

The mission of Sones de México Ensemble is to promote a greater appreciation of Mexican folk and traditional music and culture through innovative performance and education programs. The ensemble aspires to be the pre-eminent Mexican folk and traditional music and culture organization in the U.S., guided by core values that include excellence, tradition, innovation, cultural education, and accessibility.

Educational Programs

Sones de México Ensemble offers a range of educational and outreach programs, including music lessons, elementary and college residencies, children's programs, workshops, lectures, and songwriting classes. These programs aim to interweave Mexican culture and heritage into every performance and educational activity.

Awards and Recognition

The ensemble has been recognized as the Best Latin Entertainer in the Chicago Music Awards for four consecutive years from 2015 to 2018. Their children's album Fiesta Mexicana received a Parents’ Choice Award. The album Esta Tierra Es Tuya was nominated for both a Latin Grammy and a Grammy Award.

Collaborations and Projects

Notable projects include The Afro-Mexican Blues Connection, a collaboration with Billy Branch and the Sons of Blues, exploring musical and cultural similarities and differences between the African diaspora in Mexico and the U.S. Another project involved collaboration with The Irish Music School of Chicago to tell the story of Los San Patricios. The ensemble also arranged and performed a live score for Sergei Eisenstein’s silent film ¡Que Viva México! at the Chicago International Music and Movies Festival.

Funding and Support

Sones de México Ensemble is supported by grants from organizations such as the Illinois Arts Council, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the generosity of individual donors.

Discography

The ensemble has released six albums, each telling a unique story through music that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Mexico. Their albums include ¡Que Viva México, Esta Tierra Es Tuya, Fiesta Mexicana, ¡Viva la Revolución, 13 B’ak’tun, and others that explore both traditional and cross-cultural musical approaches.

Current Activities

As of 2024, Sones de México Ensemble continues to perform and contribute to cultural and educational programs across the U.S. and abroad, celebrating its 30th anniversary and marking significant milestones in preserving and promoting Mexican traditional music.