A Family Affair: Enrico and Jorge López-Yáñez Bring The Three Mexican Tenors to Indianapolis
When the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Three Mexican Tenors concert takes the stage on January 16–17, audiences will experience more than a high-energy Pops performance—they’ll witness a rare and deeply personal collaboration between father and son.
Led by Principal Guest Conductor of Pops Enrico López‑Yáñez and featuring acclaimed tenor Jorge López‑Yáñez, The Three Mexican Tenors is a multigenerational celebration that spans opera, Broadway, mariachi, and pop. The program brings together beloved classics and instantly recognizable hits, from operatic favorites to songs made famous by artists like Josh Groban and Andrea Bocelli, alongside iconic Mexican music by legends such as Luis Miguel and Juan Gabriel. The result is a concert designed to welcome everyone, whether you’re a longtime symphony fan or attending for the first time.
What excites Enrico most is the journey the program creates for the audience. The tenors seamlessly weave together vastly different genres through storytelling, humor, and magnetic stage presence. “I love watching audience members who may come for the pop hits suddenly fall in love with opera—and vice versa,” he says. “Hearing such a wide range of music performed by voices of this caliber brings new depth and richness to every selection.”
For Enrico, the concert is also profoundly personal. One song in particular, “You Raise Me Up,” carries special meaning. He’s heard his father sing it for years at some of life’s most significant moments, from weddings to funerals. “The lyrics are especially poignant when it comes to a father-son relationship,” Enrico shares. “Getting to share the stage while my father sings that text is a highlight for me every time.”
Jorge’s presence in the program reflects a career shaped by ambition, artistry, and dedication. From the moment he realized he had the tools to pursue classical singing, he set his sights on the highest level of the art form and eventually performed on the world’s greatest stages, including the Metropolitan Opera, alongside legendary artists and conductors. Now, performing with his son feels like a full-circle moment. “Sharing the stage with Enrico is a dream come true,” Jorge says. “Singing for Indianapolis audiences with him is incredibly special, and I know people are going to love this show.”
Their lifelong relationship adds a unique energy to the collaboration. While their bond is filled with warmth and mutual admiration, it’s also playful. Enrico jokes that his father enjoys keeping him on his toes, sometimes changing an interpretation from rehearsal to performance just to make sure he’s paying attention. That trust and familiarity translate into a natural musical chemistry, one that brings spontaneity and authenticity to every performance.
As a Pops conductor, Enrico’s approach is rooted in both accessibility and artistic excellence. Every program he designs aims to be highly engaging while showcasing the extraordinary versatility of the orchestra. “Orchestras are the most flexible ensembles on the planet,” he says, and The Three Mexican Tenors is a perfect example that highlights the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s ability to move effortlessly across genres while supporting some of the most powerful voices on stage.
For Jorge, the invitation to audiences is simple: come ready to enjoy, sing along, and celebrate. With its sweeping melodies, infectious rhythms, and heartfelt family connection, The Three Mexican Tenors promises to be an unforgettable weekend that brings together generations, cultures, and musical traditions in a shared experience that is both joyful and moving.
To experience The Three Mexican Tenors with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra on January 16–17, tickets are on sale now.