Mazatlán, Sinaloa, November 6, 2025 — The majestic Cathedral Basilica of Mazatlán became a sanctuary of sound on the evening of Wednesday, November 5, as it hosted the opening concert of the Second Edition of the Pacific Brass Festival — an international gathering that celebrates talent, culture, and the musical spirit that defines Mazatlán.
Under the golden domes of the temple, the brilliance of brass illuminated the night with a program of high artistic demand performed by Javier Rossetto (trumpet, Venezuela), Dariusz Mikulski (horn, Poland), and pianists Tanya Orlova and Elías Esparza, the latter an alumnus of the Centro Municipal de Artes of the Mazatlán Institute of Culture.
The ceremonial opening framed the evening with solemn words: “We gather in this magnificent sanctuary to begin a journey that unites art, history, and devotion to music.” The concert became a dialogue between sacred architecture and the sound of brass, exalting the spiritual power of music.
The Pacific Brass Festival is part of an artistic movement promoted by the Government of Mazatlán through the Municipal Institute of Culture, Tourism and Art, with the support of Lizos Music, NOC Orchestra, El Cid Resorts, the Mazatlán Art Museum, SAS, and the Government of Sinaloa through its Ministry of Tourism, among other partners who strengthen the bond between education, creativity, and cultural exchange.
Mazatlán’s Pride on the Piano
In an interview, pianist Elías Esparza reflected on the profound meaning of performing alongside international musicians:
“I’m very grateful to have been invited to accompany Dariusz, an extraordinary horn player and musician. As someone from Mazatlán, it’s an honor to share the stage with artists of this caliber in my hometown — it’s something truly special.”
Esparza highlighted Mozart’s Horn Concerto No. 2, performed in a version for French horn and piano:
“It’s a classical piece full of intricate detail; every phrase requires absolute concentration. The more you study it, the more its beauty reveals itself.”
He also emphasized the privilege of performing in the Cathedral Basilica:
“It’s a magnificent venue, rich in history, with wonderful acoustics. Brass instruments sound especially beautiful here — it’s a place that inspires and moves you.”
The evening’s repertoire included:
Sarabande (Partita in A minor) – J.S. Bach; Menuet – J.P. Rameau; Intrada – A. Honegger; Legend – G. Enesco; Concerto in D Major (after Vivaldi, RV230) BWV972 – J.S. Bach; Horn Concerto No. 2 – W.A. Mozart; Nun komm’ der Heiden Heiland BWV659 – J.S. Bach; and Pièce en forme de habanera – M. Ravel.
A City Dressed in Music
The Pacific Brass Festival will continue with concerts, masterclasses, and recitals across the city, reaffirming Mazatlán’s reputation as an international hub for musical excellence.
That night, the resounding applause inside the Cathedral confirmed what Mazatlán already knows — that the sound of brass can also be a prayer: powerful, luminous, and full of hope.