The Soraya Continues Holiday Celebrations with NOCHEBUENA (CHRISTMAS EVE IN MEXICO)

The Soraya continues its tradition of celebrating the holidays, Mexican-style with two performances of Nochebuena (Christmas Eve in Mexico) on Saturday, December 8 at 3:00pm and 8:00pm. Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles takes center stage in an evening that features the finest of Los Angeles' artists, including Mariachi Garibaldi and Ángela Aguilar, the 14-year-old phenomenon and daughter of renowned Mexican singer Pepe Aguilar.

Mariachi Garibaldi de Jimmy Cuellar has delighted audiences with dynamic musicianship and live stage presence for the past twenty years. Founded in 1994 by Cuellar, Mariachi Garibaldi began as a privately-run community youth organization. Over the years, Mariachi Garibaldi has evolved into one of California's premier mariachi ensembles, led by Jimmy "El Pollo" Cuellar. Garibaldi has accompanied Yolanda del Rio, Pablo Montero, Mercedes Castro, Humberto Herrera, Beatriz Adriana, Alejandro Fernandez, and Juan Gabriel, among many others. They have shared the stage with Mariachi Los Camperos de Jesus Guzman, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán, and Mariachi Imperial de Mexico.

Founded in 2011 by Kareli Montoya, the dance company has distinguished itself as the nation's premier Mexican folk dance company. They have performed in world-class venues such as the Nokia Theater, Greek Theater, John Anson Ford Amphitheatre and the Staples Center. The dance company has accompanied Grammy Award-winning Mariachi Los Camperos, Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán, world famous Mariachi Vargas, and Mariachi Divas. Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles has shared the stage with Lila Downs, Beatriz Adriana, Paquita la del Barrio and Armenian pop star Lilit Hovhannisyan. This amazing dance troop is the first folklórico company in the country to accompany symphonies: such as the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra and the Marina del Rey Symphony Orchestra, both conducted by Frank Fetta.

Primero Soy Mexicana is Ángela Aguilar's new album. The week it was releases, the album reached the top of the Latin Album Sales Charts on Billboard. Primero Soy Mexicana was the 4th most sold album on iTunes and the album's single, "La Llorona" was the 3rd most downloaded song in Mexico. "La Llorana" has surpassed 10 million views on YouTube.

In 2016, Ángela Aguilar participated in the #100Women Festival of the British Broadcasting Corporation of London, being the youngest artist to participate. She is also the youngest artist to participate in MTV Unplugged, which has accumulated more than 100 million views on YouTube. At the age of 9, she reached out to the new generation with her first album and "La Chancla," one of her grandfather Don Antonio's greatest hits. The video currently exceeds 18 million views.

Nominated for 2 Latin Grammy Awards for "Best New Artist" and "Best Ranchera Album," Ángela Aguilar is the youngest to be nominated and perform at the Latin Grammys.

Single tickets start at $34. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit visit The Soraya or call 818-677-3000. Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts is located at 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91330. Ticket prices subject to change.

About Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts (The Soraya)
The 2018-19 Season marks the eighth year the award-winning Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts which has quickly become one of the cultural jewels of the greater Los Angeles region. Under the leadership of Executive Director Thor Steingraber, The Soraya continues to expand its programming and outstanding multidisciplinary performances. The mission of The Soraya is to present a wide variety of performances that not only includes new and original work from the Los Angeles region but also work from around the world that appeal to all of LA's rich and diverse communities.

Located on the campus of California State University, Northridge, The Soraya's season offers a vibrant performance program of nearly 50 classical and popular music, dance, theater, family, and international events that will serve to establish The Soraya as the intellectual and cultural heart of the San Fernando Valley, and further establish itself as one of the top arts companies in Southern California. The award-winning, 1,700-seat theatre was designed by HGA Architects and Engineers and was recently cited by the Los Angeles Times as "a growing hub for live music, dance, drama and other cultural events."

Photo courtesy of Kareli Montoya.