The last time Mexican singer-songwriter Pepe Aguilar performed in Houston was at NRG Stadium for his RodeoHouston debut in front of 65,000 fans. That show was full of grandeur with fireworks, Aguilar riding his horses around the stadium floor, and accompanied by both traditional banda and mariachi bands behind him.
His next shows in Houston will be a little more intimate. Aguilar is set to perform at Jones Hall this Friday and Saturday evening with the Houston Symphony. We spoke to Aguilar over Zoom in anticipation of these shows, and here is what he had to say:
“Everything has to be done with precision” he replied when we asked him why he chose to perform with a symphony orchestra for these shows. “You take the traditional mariachi music and make arreglos or adaptations that will fit well with the orchestral strings, horns and percussion.”
Aguilar already has experience playing with a symphony. In 2025, the Aguilar Family performed at the historic Hollywood Bowl alongside the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. That performance was recorded and is now available as an album entitled Los Aguilar Sinfónico Desde el Hollywood Bowl (Live) which was released on August 20th, 2026. You can also see the accompanying video on YouTube.
“The goal is to make these shows a different experience” he continued. “Not just a mariachi/banda show or a party, but a complete nostalgic trip with a special mix of songs. It’s going to be very enjoyable, and we ask the public to be open and ready to be surprised!”
Aguilar reminded us that he’s not the first mariachi singer to perform with an orchestra. “Juan Gabriel famously performed at the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City with the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional. We can never forget the classics, but we do want to provide a fresh sound to this type of production.”
We asked him about his musical inspirations outside of mariachi and ranchera, what he listens to in the car or at home.
“I love listening to all kinds of music, but in my opinion there are only two genres…. el bueno y el malo (good music and bad music). As a music writer, composer and producer, I’m inspired by alternative rock and electronic music, but also jam to cumbias and Tejano music like Freddie Fender, Bobby Pulido, Selena and La Mafia.”
Our final question revolved around the subject of his world travels, and if he has visited any country that truly surprised him.
“Chile!” he responded almost immediately. “The first time I went to Chile I was definitely surprised. Their absolute love for music artists and their fandom is almost unmatched!” He also mentioned that the people of Colombia also love Mexican music from mariachi legends like Javier Solis, Pedro Infante and his father, Antonio Aguilar.
“On a personal note, my travels to India and Indonesia have also helped me disconnect from the world of entertainment, and I’ve learned the power of meditation, and that has helped me enjoy life to the greatest extent.”
“Living life surrounded by family and entertaining the fans, that’s definitely a blessing!”
Pepe Aguilar is coming to Houston for two nights at Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana, performing alongside the Houston Symphony on Friday, August 28 and Saturday, August 29. For more information, visit houstonsymphony.org/performance/pepe-aguilar-with-the-houston-symphony/. $72-$176.
Tickets can be found at this link:
