With students of various skill levels arriving from across the country, Casa Haas opened its doors to launch a historic event for the port city: the first edition of the Mazatlán String Festival 2026—a gathering that promises to leave an invaluable mark on the region’s cultural life.
The opening ceremony brought together organizers, the general public, and distinguished guests—including instructors Rafael Palacios, David Torres, Yael Jiménez, Hugo Adriano, and Nina Farvarshchuk, as well as luthier Jonathan Flores Larrea—all of whom will play active roles in the festival through workshops, lectures, and concerts.
Representing the organizing committee, Citlaly Cisneros delivered the welcome address. Speaking with enthusiasm, she highlighted the project’s goal: “to make Mazatlán a hub for musical training, performance, and exchange.” She noted that the initiative was born from the conviction that music is learned not only through individual practice but also through connecting with other musicians and teachers, and by exploring diverse approaches to musical interpretation.
Maritza Cisneros delivered the opening remarks and introduced the festival’s first activity: a lecture titled “From Dance to Discourse,” presented by Frida Zebadua at the Casa Haas venue.
During her presentation, Zebadua discussed the formal structure and development of dance movements within the Baroque works of J.S. Bach, offering valuable theoretical insights to enrich the participants’ musical interpretations.
For over an hour, the instructor explored the profound significance of Johann Sebastian Bach in the world of music. Drawing on research, musical scores, and audio excerpts played at the venue, she delved into the stylistic nuances of his compositions. “It was a talk on a subject of great importance to music students—specifically string players—since, as we know, Bach’s music is universal in so many respects. Bach did not merely push the technical limits of the instruments available in his time; he also wrote for the voice, creating a highly significant vocal repertoire,” he explained.
The event will take place from September 26 to October 2, featuring a program of workshops, masterclasses, lectures, and concerts led by distinguished instructors from Sinaloa, Mexico, and Europe. Some activities will be held in religious venues and will be free to attend.
