Enrico Lopez-Yañez is redefining what it means to be a conductor in the 21^st Century.

Celebrated for his charismatic stage presence, genre-defining collaborations, and passion for making orchestral music accessible to all, Lopez-Yañez is one of the most innovative and in-demand conductors in North America. He currently serves as Principal Pops Conductor for the Pacific and Detroit Symphonies, as well as Principal Conductor of the Dallas Symphony Presents and Principal Guest Conductor of Pops at the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. He previously spent eight seasons conducting the Nashville Symphony, where he also served as their Principal Pops Conductor.

As a trailblazer in the symphonic world, Lopez-Yañez has premiered dozens of groundbreaking symphonic collaborations with artists including Dolly Parton, Kelsey Ballerini, Portugal. The Man, The Mavericks, Tituss Burgess, and The War and Treaty.

As a composer and arranger, Lopez-Yañez has versatility that is equally expansive. He has written for artists like Big Sean and Mariachi Los Camperos, and he has been commissioned by major orchestras including the Baltimore Symphony, Cincinnati Pops, Detroit Symphony, Houston Symphony, Indianapolis Symphony, San Diego Symphony, and many more.

Highlights of the 2026–27 Season include performances with Aida Cuevas, Bernadette Peters, Better Than Ezra, Cody Fry, Idina Menzel, Mandy Gonzalez, Megan Hilty, Pepe Aguilar, and Wyclef Jean. He will make appearances with the New York Philharmonic and Grant Park Orchestra while returning to lead the Baltimore Symphony, Cincinnati Pops, Houston Symphony, National Symphony, San Francisco Symphony, Seattle Symphony, Toronto Symphony, and Utah Symphony, among others.

Lopez-Yañez is also Artistic Director and Co-Founder of Symphonica Productions, LLC, a creative production company developing innovative Pops, Family, and Educational concerts for orchestras. Symphonica’s shows have been praised as “incredibly special – and something that needs to become the new norm” (Lima Symphony) and have been performed by the Baltimore, Milwaukee, North Carolina, Phoenix, Seattle, Toronto, and Utah Symphony, among others.

For more, visit: enricolopezyanez.com or follow @enricolopezyanez.

José Antonio “Pepe” Aguilar Jiménez was born in San Antonio, Texas, during a tour by his legendary parents, Antonio Aguilar and Flor Silvestre. He was raised in Zacatecas, Mexico, and made his musical debut at age three, accompanying his father onstage at Madison Square Garden. In his teenage years, he explored rock music and led a band called Equs before returning to regional Mexican music.

His solo career began in 1989 with Pepe Aguilar con Tambora, followed by Recuérdame Bonito in 1992, produced by Joan Sebastian. He rose to fame in 1998 with Por Mujeres Como Tú, which became a massive hit across Latin America. In 1999, he released Por el Amor de Siempre, featuring covers of 1970s classics, solidifying his artistic standing.

Throughout his career, he has released more than 30 solo albums and about 38 total including collaborations and reissues. Pepe has sold more than 13 million records worldwide. He has won four Grammy Awards and five Latin Grammy Awards for albums like Por Una Mujer Bonita and Historias de Mi Tierra. He has also received 19 Premio Lo Nuestro awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2005 and 2006, he won Grammys for Historias de Mi Tierra as Best Mexican/ Mexican-American Album. In 2007, 100% Mexicano earned him another Grammy in the same category.

His 2012 album Bicentenario earned him further acclaim and another Grammy. In 2025, he launched Mi Suerte Es Ser Mexicano, continuing his tribute to Mexican tradition, and his passion for the national sport, the Charreria.

Through his legacy, Pepe Aguilar has become one of the most influential figures in regional Mexican music—honoring tradition while constantly evolving the genre.