Jarabe Mexicano Orchestra Residency

April 2023.

The musical tastes of this group’s members reflect their cross-border cultures and family experiences in an eclectic mix of genres ranging from Mexican Folk, Rock & Roll, and Norteño/Tex-Mex to Latin Rock, Trío Romántico, and popular Cumbia. Performing with traditional Mariachi string instruments and Norteño-inspired drums, they weave a tapestry of song and dance into an informative and entertaining experience for their audiences.

The Augsburg University Symphony Orchestra and Global Harmony Choir were invited to perform with the band as part of The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts’ educational outreach programming, reaching nearly 2,000 local students in two sold-out performances at the historic Ordway Theatre in downtown St. Paul. Rafael wrote all the arrangements for the orchestra, crafting a symphonic setting to showcase Jarabe Mexicano’s energetic performance.