Xavier Quijas Yxayotl

Concerts, Lectures, Dance
and School Presentations

Experience the wonders of the world of Mesoamerica, Mexico's ancient music and dance. To immerse audiences with cultural representation, Xavier's program is music intertwined with indigenous cultural education. Traditional music of the Maya, Aztec, Tarahumara, Yaqui, Tepehuanes, and other indigenous nations is presented in true authenticity.

All instruments are handmade by the artist, most being authentic replicas of ancient instruments. This is a great opportunity not only to hear them, but also to learn about them and their importance to these cultures. Artist, Xavier Quijas Yxayotl has worked hard for 30 years researching and investing his life in this ancient musical tradition. The result is a very unique sound by a very unique artist.

Xavier uses only traditional rhythms and ancient instruments of Mexico. There is no mixing of other instruments; i.e. panpipes of Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina of South America. As part of his educational program, Xavier teaches that the Aztec and Mayan civilizations are from Mexico, a part of North America. He explains that North America consists of Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.

America Indígena

Susanna Armijo, Xavier, Jaime Ayala, Juan Ayala
Photo by Gordon Murray

Concerts

Solo concerts feature mostly music with some explanation about the instruments, ending, if permitted, with the famous "Fire Flute".

Dance Performances

Live flutes and percussion instruments accompany professional Aztec dancers dressed in full regalia.

Children's Presentations

For the children, music is combined with instrument education and history, along with some playful interaction with song and dance. Students will be educated with some words of the Nahuatl language, the primary language spoken prior to the arrival of the Spaniards on this continent. This program can be fine-tuned for any age group.