Morelia

Capital city of the state of Michoacán in Mexico, Morelia (pop. 800,000) is a cradle of national classical and folk composers and musicians, and home to the oldest music conservatory in the country, Conservatorio de Las Rosas (Conservatory of the Roses). Morelia boasts a diverse music scene, which showcases ancient, colonial, classical and folk music as, well as electronic music assisted by the latest technologies. In recent years, musical events have been an important mainstay of the local creative economy, highlighted by a large audience of 800,000 during the festivals season, resulting in an economic income of more than US$19,083,969.

It is through its large musical programme that Morelia has built its reputation as a lively city of music. Since 1989, the Morelia Music Festival Miguel Bernal Jiménez has been a flagship event promoting internationally renowned artists, as well as musical education. The International Organ Festival of Morelia Alfonso Vega Nuñez is the oldest festival in the region dedicated to the pipe organ. With more than 50 editions, Jazztival Michoacán is the most important jazz festival in the centre-west region of Mexico and is considered as an important proponent of the country’s jazz culture.

In April 2017, the Secretary of Culture of Morelia was officially established in order to promote and develop further creative industries and cultural life in the city, with musical industry as a key priority. The Secretary particularly focuses on extending the cultural offering through cross-cutting initiatives and events. In addition, the 30 civil associations and private sector are joining forces by engaging in cultural promotion, multidisciplinary events organisation, enhancing the music industry through training activities for artists and cultural professionals.