Utah Symphony | Utah Opera’s Annual Celebración Sinfónica Festival Returns

This One-Night, Special Event Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, Showcasing Latin American and Spanish Culture

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH (September 14, 2023) – The Utah Symphony is set to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with its highly-anticipated Celebración Sinfónica festival, an annual event that promises fun, excitement, and of course, a harmonious blend of Latin American and Spanish cultures! This one-night, special event on September 18 invites all to join in the festivities and unites the community through the power of music.

The annual festival—which has been a hallmark of the Utah Symphony’s commitment to connect to the community through great live music and is now in its fifth year— aims to showcase the rich tapestry of cultural influences that have shaped the musical landscape. This year’s festival will feature a lineup that highlights popular Latino music—including favorites from Mexico, Argentina, Chile, and Spain like “Huapango,” “Querido Juanga,” “Granada,” and more!

These traditional tunes will be led by vivacious Mexican conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez— a returning guest on the podium who also conducted last year’s concert. Not only is Enrico Lopez-Yañez the Principal Pops Conductor of the Nashville Symphony—where he leads the Symphony’s Pops Series and other special programming—he also is the Principal Conductor of the Dallas Symphony Presents as well as Principal Pops conductor of the Pacific Symphony. As a result, Lopez-Yañez is quickly establishing himself as one of the nation’s leading conductors of popular music and is known for his unique style of audience engagement.

Beyond the captivating evening concert, Celebración Sinfónica aims to engage the local community through a pre-concert festival on the plaza beginning at 4:30 p.m. This lively event will feature folkloric dancers and singers, as well as artists and vendors from Latin American countries, showcasing their heritage with a mix of modern and traditional artwork and crafts.

These vendors include Oaxaca en Utah, El Camino Kitchen, Ballet Folkorico, Ingrid Estrada, Artes de Mexico en Utah, Prime Corn, Stefany Sandoval. Starting with the tastiest part of the festival, Oaxaca en Utah brings the vibrant and diverse flavors of Oaxacan cuisine to the heart of Salt Lake City. With an array of mouthwatering dishes such as tlayudas, mole, and chapulines, their food stall is a delightful journey into the rich culinary traditions of Oaxaca, Mexico. Similarly, El Camino Kitchen is your ticket to a taste of authentic Mexican street food. From sizzling tacos to flavorful elotes, they serve up the savory and spicy delights that define the essence of Mexican street cuisine, making every bite a delightful fiesta for the taste buds. And for audience members looking for a fun twist on a Mexican favorite, Prime Corn is the food truck to visit as they elevate the humble corn on the cob to a gourmet experience. With a variety of toppings and flavors, they turn this classic Latin American street food into a mouthwatering delicacy that’s a must-try at the festival.

But food isn’t the only thing available for festival goers. Individuals can embrace the bright flare of Hispanic culture with Ballet Folklórico—andding a splash of color and tradition to the festival activities with their captivating performances. With intricate costumes and mesmerizing choreography, they transport the audience to the heart of Latin America, showcasing the beauty and diversity of folkloric dance.

Audience members looking to find a special keepsake from the festival will also be able to shop from local Hispanic artists. Ingrid Estrada is an artist whose work beautifully bridges the gap between modern artistic expression and traditional Latin American aesthetics. Her vibrant artwork tells stories of culture and heritage through captivating paintings and intricate designs. Similarly, artwork from Artes de México en Utah showcases a wide range of Mexican art forms. From pottery to textiles, their exhibit offers a captivating glimpse into the artistic heritage of Mexico, celebrating craftsmanship and creativity. Additionally, custom jeweler Stefany Sandoval will bring select pieces available for purchase that are inspired by Latin American motifs and culture. Her unique jewelry pieces are crafted with care and creativity, allowing festival-goers to adorn themselves with a touch of cultural elegance.

Tickets for the Celebración Sinfónica Festival are now available for purchase starting at just $10! As one of the most spirited nights at the symphony (many concert-goers are on their feet dancing by the end!), community members are encouraged to purchase tickets early and save their seats for this festival event. It’s the perfect way to send off the last days of summer and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in the heart of downtown.