The Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra (OFJ) has announced its fall season and starting it off, a visit October 17 and 20 by New York native Caroline Bembia, OFJ’s former principal harpist who recently left after seven years to take her dream job as principal harpist with the New York City Ballet.

The Chihuahua Philharmonic Orchestra is celebrating its 30th anniversary and is currently touring Mexico. Directed by Iván del Prado, the orchestra will perform a special anniversary concert at Guadalajara’s Teatro Degollado on Tuesday, September 24, at 8:30 p.m.

“It’s unusual for women to lead opera houses,” says EstefaniacAviles. Her classical and opera singing experience in Italy, Spain and Budapest prompts her to say this, although she notes that Mexico is something of an exception (with Maria Katzarava’s appointment as artistic director of the Compania Nacional de Opera).

Mariachi Galas

The International Mariachi Festival presents its six traditional flagship galas at the Degollado Theater, in addition to one “Classic/Magno” concert at the Auditorio Telmex. The nation’s top mariachi bands are joined by the Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra.

Free open-air concerts

City center’s opening public concert on the Paseo Fray Antonio Alcalde (facing the Rotunda) on Sunday, August 25, 6 p.m. With the Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra and top bands. 

The City Hall backed Orquesta Metropolitano Guadalajara offers free concerts in July. Friday, July 12, 7 p.m. at Teatro Torres Bodet.