Rondalla Voces del Recuerdo Returns to the Stage with Free Concert in Orizaba
What began more than three decades ago as a group of friends performing serenades for their girlfriends—most of whom later became their wives—has returned with a renewed mission to preserve romantic music. Rondalla Voces del Recuerdo resumed activities after a 10-year hiatus and is preparing for its most important concert since reuniting. The performance will take place on Sunday, August 9, at the Ignacio de la Llave Theater, according to group member Edgar Castro.
The ensemble was founded in 1993 in the Librado Rivera neighborhood of Orizaba, inspired by a passion for serenades and boleros. After pausing its activities for several years due to the personal commitments of its members, the original musicians reunited in 2024 with the goal of reviving the tradition of the rondalla and introducing classic romantic music to younger generations.
Young Musicians Join the Tradition
Group member Roberto Ibáñez explained that the rondalla currently consists of 16 male musicians ranging in age from 18 to 56, along with one younger member who is also part of the project.
One of the biggest surprises during the group’s return has been the enthusiasm shown by younger musicians.
“It was a surprise to see young people interested in joining the rondalla because several of them became part of the group,” Ibáñez said.
He added that this interest strengthens the group’s mission of keeping this musical tradition alive.
Boleros and Romantic Classics
The concert’s repertoire is inspired by the traditional style of the Rondalla de Saltillo, one of Mexico’s most respected rondallas. The program will also feature songs made famous by artists such as Julio Iglesias and José José, along with classic boleros and ranchera music.
Although the group has already given several performances since reuniting, the concert at the Ignacio de la Llave Theater will be its first major theater production, marking an important milestone in this new chapter.
Ibáñez acknowledged that attracting younger audiences to rondalla music is challenging given the wide variety of modern musical genres. However, he believes that creating cultural spaces allows children, teenagers, and adults alike to discover and appreciate this style of music.
He also noted that entire families have attended recent performances, with children and young people showing genuine interest in boleros and romantic songs, demonstrating that the genre continues to resonate with audiences.
Free Concert for the Community
Rondalla Voces del Recuerdo invited the public to attend its free concert on Sunday, August 9, at 6:00 p.m. at the Ignacio de la Llave Theater in Orizaba.
The theater doors will open 15 minutes before the performance, and admission will be free.
The group is made up of musicians with diverse professional backgrounds. Most perform as mariachi musicians, while one member has played with nationally recognized cumbia bands.
Edgar Castro has also performed on stages alongside renowned Mexican singer-songwriters Edgar Oceransky and Raúl Ornelas in Pachuca, Hidalgo.
Source: oem
