

The Yucatan Symphony Orchestra, now officially recognized by the state of Yucatan as an entity of Cultural Heritage, has managed for more than a century to perform not only in Yucatan but also on grand stages of Mexico, with international artists such as Andrea Bocelli, Plácido Domingo, Juan Diego Flórez, Sarah Brightman, Elton John, Filippa Giordano, renown Yucatecan composer Armando Manzanero and more. They have made a significant contribution to the development of the arts and culture in Yucatan. The Orchestra graces Merida with class, sophistication and a level of musical talent that is exceptional.
During the pandemic the Orchestra saw its most difficult time. They not only were forced to close the theater doors to the public, but they lost much needed government funding. However, they continued to prevail and give us all live concerts on Facebook and Youtube to lift our spirits. At MID CityBeat we featured the orchestra regularly in our feed as well as invited individual artists to take over our live and give us performances. All those in the community who appreciate the orchestra, tried to do what we could to continue to support the arts. In November of 2020, an initiative was introduced to the senate to declare the Orquesta Sinfónica de Yucatán (OSY), Cultural Heritage of the State.
“La Orquesta Sinfónica de Yucatán, deserves recognition, after more than a century of history during which they have performed on the most prestigious stages of our country, with international artists and have contributed enormously to the cultural development of Yucatan.” – Congresswoman Milagros Romero Bastarrachea
The season starts in September and goes through December and then again in January going through June with 2 concerts almost every week: Friday evenings and Sunday midday.
The orchestra’s base musicians consist of 65 master musicians from all over the world.
10 First violins, 10 Second violins, 8 Violas, 6 Violoncellos, 4 Bass, 3 Flutes, 3 Oboes, 3 Clarinets, 3 Bassoonists, 4 Horns, 3 Trumpets, 3 Trombones, 1 Tuba, 1 Harp, 3 Percussionists
The contribution they have made to the cultural life of the city has been tremendous. It is an honor to have such talented and top level musicians internationally recognized grace the stage of Peon Contreras Theater each week. The concerts have accessible prices so that all the citizens and visitors to Yucatan can enjoy classical music at its best. As is in all symphony concerts, the music elevates our spirits and soul to another level. It inspires the listener to dream, to learn, to feel the emotions brought forth in the music. It is a true treasure and gift and we should be truly grateful to all those who have put in so much effort to make sure the orchestra is here to stay.
In 1935 violinist and ethnomusicologist from El Paso, Samuel Martí came to Yucatan to study indigenous music. When he got here he met many very talented musicians and with such enthusiasm for music he and his friends organized the Yucatan Symphony Orchestra and performed two seasons of three concerts each between 1936-1938.
Daniel Ayala
In this new time for the orchestra there were 113 concerts given including works by Mozart, Schubert and Vivaldi.
Adolfo Patrón Luján
Juan Carlos Lomonaco
Margarita Molina Zaldívar