Join the OKCPHIL as we welcome recent Grammy winners Mariachi Los Camperos, February 21-22 at 8PM at the Civic Center. Come celebrate the rich vocal traditions of Mexico with internationally renowned singers and songwriters showcasing their exquisite voices and musicianship in this exciting and festive concert. Tickets start at $19 with group discounts available for groups of 10 or more. Call (405) 842-5387 or go online at okcphil.org, or okcciviccenter.com.

 

Founded in 1961 by Jose Natividad “Nati” Cano Ruiz. Mr. Cano played a fundamental role in the development of mariachi music in the United States by training and mentoring new generations of mariachi musicians. This visionary took the mariachi performance out of customary locations such as Cantinas and into concert halls. Los Camperos became well known and in 1964, they were the first Mariachi to perform in New York’s Carnegie Hall.

 

Now under the direction of Jesus "Chuy" Guzman since 1992, Guzman carries on the vision of Cano Ruiz. Guzman has moved the organization forward with his musical arrangements that highlight the skills and voices of the group. He is widely recognized as arranger, director, instructor, and musician in the genre of Mariachi music. Mr. Guzman has served as head instructor for numerous international mariachi festivals in the United States and Mexico. He is the Musical Director for the Mariachi Master Apprentice Program (MMAP) in San Fernando and at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

 

Alexander Mickelthwate, Music Director and conductor for the evening says, “We are thrilled to welcome Los Camperos to our city and are excited to celebrate their fourth Grammy, awarded just this past January. Together on stage with the OKCPHIL, we welcome audiences old and new to the Civic Center, as we celebrate the many flavors of Mexico through a range of music inspired by Mexico’s rich traditions.”

 

Over its 59 years of history, Mariachi Los Camperos have recorded and performed with many artist including: Pedro Fernandez, Pepe Aguilar, Angeles Ochoa, Eugenia Leon, Lila Downs, Alejandro Fernandez, Luis Miguel and many more. Including, the collaboration on Linda Ronstadt’s 1987 milestone album, “Canciones de Mi Padre and Ronstadt’s sequel album, “Mas Canciones(released in 1992), they toured with the singer nationwide.

 

Arrive early to hear the students of Academia OKC perform in the lobby.

Season support is provided by presenting sponsor, The Chickasaw Nation. Additional co-sponsors include: OKCPHIL Foundation and 92.5 KOMA.

 

The Oklahoma City Philharmonic has gained recognition as one of the nation’s premier regional orchestras. Tracing its roots to 1924, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic was formed in 1988 under the musical direction of Founder and Music Director Emeritus Joel Levine and began a new era with the passing of the baton to Maestro Alexander Mickelthwate in 2018. The Orchestra remains steadfast in its mission “to provide inspiration and joy for the community through orchestral music.” Through its consistent commitment to excellence, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic strives to enrich lives, expand cultural development, educate future generations, and provide audiences with a diverse and inspirational performance experiences. Committed to expanding its reach well beyond the concert hall, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic enjoys a close collaborative relationship with Oklahoma’s schools, colleges, and universities as well as the city’s other premier arts organizations including Oklahoma City Ballet and Canterbury Voices. Through high-caliber performances and a variety of education and community engagement programs the OKC Phil serves over 135,000 annually throughout the states of Oklahoma. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 405-"TICKETS" (842-5387), or visit okcphilharmonic.org.