Dia De Los Muertos Presented by Instrumental Society of Calgary

Our 2025/26 season opens with Mexicana Ensemble led by celebrated singer Gisela Romero. A deeply personal and vibrant musical journey into the singer herself, this project pays homage to her roots by fusing the traditions of Mexican and Latin American folk music with contemporary jazz, flamenco, salsa, and huapango elements.

Gisela's performances, predominantly in Spanish, are imbued with romanticism and the rich, vibrant flavours of Latin culture. Accompanied by a group of versatile and fine musicians in the scene — Esteban Herrera on piano, Luis Tovar on percussion, Daniel Nava on bass, Jorge Villena on acoustic guitar, and David Lavoie on trumpet—this project transforms traditional sounds into fresh, expressive arrangements.

Gisela Romero is a celebrated singer known for her captivating performances that blend Mexican traditional music, Latin American rhythms, and Latin jazz. Born in León, Guanajuato, Mexico, Gisela moved to Calgary, Alberta, Canada in 2008, where she has since established herself as a prominent figure in the music scene. With four albums to her name, Gisela's evocative voice and passionate performances have earned her critical acclaim and several prestigious nominations. She was nominated for the YYC Music Awards in 2019, 2021, and 2023. Additionally, in 2023, she received a nomination for the BreakOut West Awards in the Global Artist of the Year category. Gisela's performances, predominantly in Spanish, are imbued with romanticism and the rich, vibrant flavors of Latin culture. She has delighted audiences both in Canada and Mexico, bringing her unique sound to a diverse array of listeners.