Video | Hear the Young Mariachi Ensemble from Chicago That’s Topping Charts and Winning Hearts

By Galilee Abdullah |

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The musicians of Mariachi Herencia de México

Chicago-based Mariachi Herencia de México released its debut album, Nuestra Herenica (Our Heritage), in early 2017 and it ranked No. 2 on the iTunes Latin chart in its first week. Since the ensemble is composed of pre-college musicians, the album may be the first major mariachi recording released in the United States by students. The album was recorded in Mexico and includes vocals by members of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, Los Camperos, Sol de México, and Reyna de Los Ángeles.

Mariachi Herencia started in 2013 by César Maldonado and emerged from the non-profit Mariachi Heritage Foundation. The ensemble has since signed with IMG Artists, a New York agency that also represents some of today’s most sought-after artists, from opera singer Renée Fleming to organizations like the Bolshoi Ballet.

Recently, Mariachi Herencia has performed at the Ravinia Festival with Lila Downs, and at Disney World. The group makes its debut at the Kennedy Center on Mexican Independence Day, September 16, 2017.

Whether you’re celebrating Mexican Independence Day, or simply love great music, enjoy Mariachi Herencia de México perform “Cascabel/Pajarillo” in the video below.


Hear more of Mariachi Herencia de México in a special program of WFMT’s Introductions on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at 11:00 am.