La Vida Loca: Latin Pop Hits

La Vida Loca: Latin Pop Hits—a night with the Utah Symphony devoted to Latin pop from the ’90s and early 2000s—is not a concert. It’s a party! Conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez is equal parts bandleader and host—a dynamic presence who moves seamlessly between the orchestra and soloists, occasionally adding to the vocals as well. His charismatic movement and conversation keep the crowd engaged, making them feel more like guests than spectators. Trumpet player José Sibaja, percussionist Luisito Quintero, and vocalists Jackie Mendez and Ender Thomas—all of whom have worked with Ricky Martin in some capacity—join Lopez-Yañez on stage. Lopez-Yañez and Sibaja have created original arrangements of the evening’s music, making the setlist a vibrant artistic moment—more than just covers of familiar songs—as well as a carefully curated celebration of the cultures from which the music comes. The Utah Symphony showcases its incredible versatility, playing a variety of genres with passion and precision.

The entire program energizes the audience, giving permission to clap, sing along, and dance in the aisles. Mendez fills the hall with a resounding, soulful tone as she dazzles in a series of shimmering dresses. Thomas balances her energy with his smooth, tender voice. Sibaja and Quintero put brass and percussion front and center; the symphony’s brass and percussion sections follow their lead and shine in multiple prominent moments. Each song on the program is its own highlight, definitely deserving comment. A few noteworthy examples include “Hero,” “El Dia Que Me Quieras,” a Celia Cruz medley, “Como La Flor,” and “Despacito.” In “Hero,” Mendez and Thomas’s vocals sync into a calming, mellow flow. Sibaja’s trumpet soars over the orchestra in “El Dia Que Me Quieras,” letting the romantic melody caress the space. Quintero and Mendez infuse the Celia Cruz medley, notably in “La Vida Es Un Carnaval,” with a fiery, propulsive rhythm that brings the audience to its feet. On this number, everyone gets up and dances salsa! Mendez pays a beautiful tribute to Tejana icon Selena in “Como La Flor” with a rendition that is as soulful as it is passionate. A single cello and violin open “Despacito,” giving this pop phenomenon beautiful resonance. When the rest of the orchestra joins to flesh out the arrangement, they support the familiar rhythm and transform the pop song into a truly moving piece. The cumulative effect of La Vida Loca: Latin Pop Hits is that it wholeheartedly elevates the audience’s spirits! You will keep humming melodies and tapping your feet after you leave.

So get to Abravanel Hall, and get on your feet! You can experience La Vida Loca: Latin Pop Hits for yourself on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Click here for information and tickets.