Along with their traditional costumes and instruments, a concert with Tlen-Huicani is like taking a journey of Mexico’s music, time and place. Meaning “the singers” in their indigenous Indian language of Nahuatl, Tlen-Huicani makes the beautiful “harpa jarocha” or folk harp, the
centerpiece of their music. Since 1973, their music and international achievements have earned the honor of ‘Best Folk Group in Mexico’ by the Union of Music and Theater Critics. In 2008 the governor of Veracruz honored them for 35 years of service to the development of
the cultural landscape of Veracruz.

Nearing their fourth decade, Tlen-Huicani remains one of the most faithful interpreters of the traditional folk music of Veracruz, Mexico and most of Latin America. Their expertise earned a Juried Showcase selection at the 2010 Northwest Booking Conference, and at the 2007
San Jose Mariachi Festival, Tlen-Huicani performed at one of the country’s biggest events of its kind, including a grand finale with Linda Ronstadt and Los Lobos. In 2005, The Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation, in coordination with the National Endowment for the Arts, provided funding for two regional tours as part of the Mexican Initiative Program. They have also been invited on several occasions to represent Mexico at the World Harp Conferences including the 2002 Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.

Maestro, Alberto de la Rosa, is respected for his musicianship throughout Mexico and considered among the most outstanding folk harpists in the world. Under his direction, the group has mastered many types of Latin music and released numerous recordings including four releases in the United States. Most recently -- with orchestral arrangements created by Maestro Mateo Oliva -- de la Rosa has led the group in performances with orchestras in San Bernardino, CA, Mexico City, Queretaro, and multiple dates in Veracruz.