Maestro Mario Nandayapa Velasco, director of our company and Mario Nandayapa Quartet ensemble, was honored with the title of "Legend of the Chiapan Marimba."

In a distinguished ceremony held on January 18, 2024, at the National Congress, the exceptional talent and valuable contribution of Maestro Nandayapa to Mexico's musical culture, and particularly to the state of Chiapas, were highlighted.

During the event, Eduardo Ramírez Aguilar, coordinator of the Morena Parliamentary Group, expressed appreciation for the cultural and musical sector of marimba players, considering them an integral part of the national identity.

Maestro Mario Nandayapa Velasco, leader of the Mario Nandayapa Quartet, has left an indelible mark on marimba music. His presence in various countries and the creation of innovative shows have brought Chiapas's musical richness to new audiences.

At the awards ceremony, the relevance of the marimba in Chiapan identity was emphasized, and the commitment to promoting awareness of this instrument in primary and secondary schools was highlighted.

The recognition of Maestro Mario Nandayapa Velasco not only highlights the individual talent of its director but also underscores the importance of preserving and promoting the rich marimba tradition in Chiapas. This event represents a significant step towards the national and international recognition of marimba masters and their impact on Mexican musical culture.

On a day filled with magic and unique vibrations, the "México en el Corazón" 2023 Tour of the North American Institute for Mexican Advancement (NAIMA) reached new heights in the heart of New York. As a fundamental part of this cultural spectacle, Mario Nandayapa Quartet resonated the Chiapanec marimba, taking New Yorkers and visitors on an unforgettable musical journey in Times Square on August 27, 2023.

Under the bright lights of the "red stairs," the marimba shared the cultural riches of Chiapas, transforming the iconic stage into an oasis of Mexican traditions. The International Tour not only brought the essence of Jalisco, Aguascalientes, Zacatecas, Nuevo León, and Chiapas to new cities and states but also placed the marimba at the center stage, celebrating its uniqueness and beauty.

The fusion of talents between Mario Nandayapa Quartet, the Guadalajara Folkloric Ballet, the Colotlán Youth Mariachi, and the Colores Band created a captivating show. From the emotive melodies of the marimba to the contagious energy of the dances and the emotion of the mariachi, each moment was an authentic celebration of the richness of our traditions.

But the magic didn't stop in New York. The tour continued its journey through cities like Nashville, Tennessee, where the music capital resonated with the Mexican essence at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. In the Bronx and Manhattan, special performances at iconic venues such as the MET and Central Park elevated Mexican culture to new heights.

"Mexico in the Heart" was not just a cultural event but a direct connection between Mexican and Mexican-American communities in North America, thanks to NAIMA's initiative. In each city, music, dance, and joy became ambassadors of the richness and diversity of Mexican culture, carrying a message of unity and celebration across borders.

For those who wish to continue enjoying the magic of "Mexico in the Heart," we invite you to stay informed about their upcoming tours and events. Connect and discover more at https://mexicoenelcorazon.org/.

The outstanding ensemble Mario Nandayapa Quartet joins the vibrant panorama of the National Circuit of Performing Arts Chapultepec: Root Music Mexico, consolidating its presence in the central region of our country.

The program, which seeks to enhance musical richness through national tours, has allowed Mario Nandayapa Quartet to bring the essence of the Chiapanec marimba to different corners of Mexico. During their performances in Querétaro, State of Mexico, Hidalgo, and Mexico City, the ensemble has shared the cultural and sonorous richness of the central region, thus contributing to cultural decentralization and the artistic enrichment of each state and municipality.

Mario Nandayapa Quartet, with over a decade of experience, joined this initiative with the mission of highlighting the tradition and mastery in the construction and interpretation of the Chiapanec marimba. Their participation in the program not only enriched the musical heritage but also strengthened cultural dialogue among the different regions of Mexico.

The ensemble, renowned for its commitment to preserving musical roots, hopes to continue contributing to the success and expansion of this important project, bringing the richness of the marimba and Chiapanec culture to new audiences and horizons.

With Mario Nandayapa Quartet in the National Circuit of Performing Arts Chapultepec, Mexican music resonated with strength and authenticity, leaving an indelible mark and promoting environmental care.

That's what the Mario Nandayapa Quartet, an ensemble led by Maestro Zeferino Nandayapa's son, did at the International Cervantino Festival. With their show "Mexico through the Marimba," the quartet performed traditional and popular themes, making the audience of San Fernando Plaza in Guanajuato dance and applaud. This was their first participation in the Festival, but not the first of the Nandayapa family, which has left a musical mark with their marimba in six previous editions.

Mario Nandayapa Quartet demonstrated that the marimba is a versatile and contemporary instrument, capable of expressing the diversity and richness of Mexico.