UnidosNow Presents NocheUnidos

May 2022

Experience the dynamic exuberance of traditional mariachi with the emotional power of a classical symphony at “NocheUnidos,” two concerts starring the acclaimed Mexican folkloric group Mariachi Cobre and the 72-piece Venice Symphony on May 20, at the Van Wezel, and on May 21, at the Venice Performing Arts Center. Michelle Merrill, the former associate conductor of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, will conduct both performances. The concerts commemorate UnidosNow’s 10th anniversary, which has been delayed for two years due to the pandemic. Proceeds will raise valuable funds to empower UnidosNow’s education, integration, and civic engagement initiatives.

NocheUnidos features a tapestry of musical delights combining the exuberance of traditional mariachi music with the emotional power of a classical symphony. The program will showcase the most treasured musical artforms of the Old and New Worlds to create an unforgettable experience. Each group will perform their own repertoire separately and then come together to perform well-known works that will leave attendees mesmerized by the harmonious fusion. The Gulf Coast Community Foundation is the presenting sponsor of NocheUnidos. 

Mariachi Cobre (above) is one of the best known mariachi bands in the United States, performing for millions of listeners, including traveling with the Boston Pops. Originally based in Tucson, Arizona, the group was formed by guitarron and guitar player Randy Carrillo, a veteran of the first mariachi group in the U.S., Mariachi Juvenil Los Chanquitos Feos De Tucson. In addition to Carrillo, the original band included his brother, Steve Carillo, on trumpet, guitarron, vihuela and guitar, Mack Ruiz on violin, and Frank Grijalva as the arranger. Mariachi Cobre has expanded to also include Chris Figueroa (violin), Hector Gama (violin), Miguel Molina (trumpet), Israel Molina (violin), Robert Martinez (vihuela), Antonio Ruiz (violin and viola), Javier Trujillo (guitarra de Golpe), and Mario Trujillo (violin).

The Venice Symphony (below) is a nonprofit professional, 72-piece orchestra providing outstanding symphonic music and unique educational opportunities for youth and adults.

Conductor Michelle Merrill (below) has been inspiring audiences throughout the country with her sharply detailed and vibrant performances. A passionate and dynamic artist, she served four years as the assistant and then associate conductor of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, where she also carried the title of Phillip and Lauren Fisher Community Ambassador. In addition to her growing guest conducting schedule, Merrill currently serves as the music director of the Coastal Symphony of Georgia, where she has ignited the growth and expansion of the orchestra’s offerings both on and off the stage.

The poster art (below right) selected to promote the event is by artist Yulner Diaz (below left). The work is rich in symbolism and visually conveys the metaphor and work of UnidosNow, reflecting the fusion of the new world’s emerging art forms with the old world’s creative heritage along the iconic Sarasota bayfront. The artist’s original artwork will be auctioned on May 20 at the Van Wezel event for NocheUnidos.

UnidosNow offers educational and professional outreach initiatives to the Hispanic/Latinx communities in Sarasota and Manatee counties so that they can create circles of opportunities for generations to come. The organization achieves this through education initiatives, leadership training, community services, and civic engagement.

Visit UnidosNow.org for more information.