What if one of the most memorable moments of your time in Mérida wasn’t found on a guided tour or in a restaurant, but in a concert hall? It might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but that is exactly why experiencing the city through its live symphonic sound is something you cannot miss.
Amidst the vibrant rhythms that define the city, the Yucatán Symphony Orchestra (OSY) has earned its place as much more than just a venue for classical music. Over the years, it has become a meeting point that brings people closer to a genre often perceived as outside their daily lives.
The orchestra has also become a cornerstone of the state's identity: talent, continuity, and a shared connection with its people are the elements that define it. Now, with the new campaign “The OSY is yours. #TakeTheBaton” (#TomaLaBatuta), the invitation goes a step further: it’s no longer just about listening, but about becoming an active part of what makes the music possible.
A history not taken for granted
The existence of the Yucatán Symphony Orchestra wasn't always a given. For years, Mérida lived without a resident orchestra, leaving a noticeable void in the cultural landscape. It wasn't until the early 2000s that a group from civil society, led by Don Adolfo Patrón Luján, decided that this had to change.
In December 2001, the OSY Patronato (Trust) was born with the goal of driving the orchestra's creation and, more importantly, ensuring its long-term sustainability. The project took flight in 2004 when the OSY performed its inaugural concert at the historic Teatro Peón Contreras, marking the start of its first official season. From that moment, it was clear that the challenge was not only artistic but structural.
To ensure its permanence, the Yucatán Symphony Orchestra Guarantee Trust (FIGAROSY) was created in 2009 in partnership with the State Government. Since then, the Patronato has continued to evolve, ensuring the orchestra remains a solid, long-term cultural project capable of providing a voice to Yucatán’s identity.
The engine behind the music
Today, the OSY stands on three pillars: government support, the audience that attends the concerts, and the participation of civil society through the Patronato. The latter is key to the orchestra's growth and survival.
As Margarita Molina Saldívar, President of the Patronato, points out, supporting the OSY is about “sustaining living culture.” It is an investment in its continuity and its legacy for future generations. The OSY does not just stay on the stage; its musicians also train new generations, participate in educational spaces, and strengthen the artistic life of the city.
For those visiting us, the Yucatán Symphony Orchestra offers a different way to experience Mérida—through its melodies.
“The OSY is Yours”: An invitation to belong
“The OSY is yours. #TakeTheBaton. Donate to the Patronato” proposes a different way of understanding our relationship with music. This campaign seeks to break the idea that symphonic music is distant or exclusive, bringing it instead into the daily lives of everyone in Yucatán.
The campaign’s imagery reflects this mission: instruments in everyday situations—as if the orchestra could be in your home, in your backpack, or accompanying you at any moment. It is a powerful reminder that the symphony is much closer than we think.
This closeness translates into concrete actions. Through the Patronato, donations become the elements that make the orchestra's daily operations possible: instruments, guest soloists, scholarships for young musicians, maintenance, and more opportunities for live music to reach a wider audience.
In the end, “taking the baton” (tomar la batuta) isn’t about musical expertise; it’s about deciding to get involved. Whether it’s a small individual donation or a corporate partnership, every contribution helps ensure the orchestra remains a project shared by the Yucatecan community.
Small actions, real impact
One of the most accessible points of the campaign is its openness. There isn’t just one way to participate. Each donation becomes concrete actions, both onstage and off, opening the doors to more talent, more education, and more opportunities to connect with music.
As María José Palma, Director of the Patronato, explains, music is a bridge that connects people, projects talent, and brings experiences to life that should be accessible to all.
Those who wish to join can do so online through the Patronato’s website (patronatoosy.com.mx) or by reaching out directly to learn about individual and corporate sponsorship opportunities.
A unique experience for your itinerary
For those visiting Yucatán (and for those of us who live here), attending a Yucatán Symphony Orchestra concert is a must-add to any travel itinerary. There is simply no comparison between listening to recorded music and experiencing it live. Each performance is unique because the music is built in the moment, with no second takes. It’s a shared experience that often becomes one of the most special memories of a trip to Mérida.
Make the OSY Yours: January–June 2026 Season
The Yucatán Symphony Orchestra typically performs twice a week at the Palacio de la Música: Friday evenings and Sunday at noon. Currently, the orchestra is in its 45th Season, the first under the artistic direction of Alfonso Scarano.
Highlights of the April–June 2026 Programs:
- April 17 & 19: The Scottish Symphony by Mendelssohn and works by Daniel Ayala, featuring guest conductor Alejandro Basulto.
- April 24 & 26: Tubby the Tuba and Mendelssohn’s Italian Symphony, a perfect family-friendly program.
- May 15 & 17: Pictures at an Exhibition (Mussorgsky/Ravel), exploring the art of transcription.
- May 22 & 24: Prima Donna Italian Opera Gala, featuring soprano Gloria Giurgola with music by Verdi, Puccini, and Rossini.
- May 29 & 31: Double Concerto for Violin, Piano, and Orchestra by Mendelssohn, featuring soloists Christopher Collins and Irina Decheva, alongside Wagner’s Siegfried Idyll and excerpts from Lohengrin and Rienzi, plus a tribute to Yucatecan composer Fausto Pinelo Río (Ballet Palenque).
- June 5 & 7: Noche de Zarzuela, a vibrant evening dedicated to the representative Spanish genre.
Tickets are available starting at $150 pesos via www.sinfonicadeyucatan.com.mx
Taking the baton
How beautiful it is that a project like this should not depend on those onstage alone. Whether you live in Mérida or are just passing through, the Yucatán Symphony Orchestra offers much more than just a concert: it’s a way to connect with the city and its people. Because taking the baton isn’t about conducting an orchestra, but about choosing to be a part of the music that brings us together.
Orquesta Sinfónica de Yucatán
patronatoosy.com.mx / sinfonicadeyucatan.com.mx
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First published in Yucatán Today website in April 2026.
