Music students tour with international sensation Yandel in follow-up to blockbuster campus concert

When the FIU Symphony Orchestra and student vocalists took the stage alongside global music icon Yandel last October, it kicked off a bold collaboration—one that quickly evolved from a campus performance into a national platform. What unfolded at the Wertheim School of Music has since grown into a high-profile recording, a multi-city tour, and national television recognition—culminating in a major album release under Warner Music Latina.

At the heart of it all was a daring creative vision: merging the pulse of Latin Urban music with the sweeping power of a full symphony orchestra.

Turning a Live Performance Into an Album

The project took a major leap forward after that first concert. Yandel invited FIU Conductor Javier José Mendoza, members of the FIU Symphony Orchestra, alumni, and student vocalists to the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in December for a live album recording session.

The result, Yandel Sinfónico En Vivo—released on April 3 by Warner Music Latina—reimagines tracks like “Encantadora,” “Nunca Me Olvides,” and “Noche de Entierro” with orchestral color and cinematic depth.

Unlike a traditional studio setup, this was a high-stakes, one-night-only performance—captured in real time before a live audience. There were no second takes. Every note, cue, and transition had to land perfectly.

For many of the students involved, it was their first time recording music in this style and at such a high level.

Bethany Xiques, a graduate violin student studying with Teaching Professor Misha Vitenson, reflected on the experience:

“We were stepping into a new sound, adapting on the spot, and learning how to bring that energy into a recording. To be part of a Warner Music Latina release, knowing it’s reaching a global audience, is an experience I’ll carry with me forever.”

But beyond technical growth, the collaboration also held deep personal meaning for others.

Noelia Lee Luna, a graduate choral conducting student studying with Director of Choral Activities Erynn Millard, shared how the opportunity resonated with her:

“I grew up listening to his music—his name is a household name back in Puerto Rico—so being part of this project made me feel truly seen and heard. It gave me the space to express my pride in where I come from—our rich culture and music. Sharing that with others was powerful. I feel deeply humbled to have been chosen, and this experience has not only elevated my confidence as a musician but also reminded me of the strength that comes from staying rooted in who you are.”

Lights, Cameras, Fallon

The project soon reached an even wider stage. On March 31, Yandel and Mendoza performed “Puño de Tito” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, introducing millions of viewers to this groundbreaking blend of Latin Urban and symphonic music. 

Rolling Stone described the sound as “a bold fusion of urban Latin and classical that expands the sound of Latin music.”

For FIU, the national spotlight marked more than just a performance—it affirmed the school’s role at the forefront of artistic innovation and cultural leadership.

“To see this work promoted on national television, connecting cultures through music—that kind of visibility matters,” said Mendoza. "It showed that the orchestra is not just responding to the moment—we're part of shaping it. This is the kind of moment where the orchestra becomes a true ambassador for FIU."

The Tour Ahead

The momentum continues with the Yandel Sinfónico USA Tour, running from May 30 through June 8, 2025. Mendoza will join Yandel to conduct performances across several cities, with FIU students joining for the Florida portion of the tour.

The announcement drew national attention. Rolling Stone spotlighted the collaboration, noting that Yandel's October performance with the FIU Symphony Orchestra served as the inspiration for the upcoming tour.

For Dr. Mendoza and Wertheim School of Music Director Karen S. Veloz, this project exemplifies a vision they’ve long championed: empowering students by giving them real-world performance opportunities.

“As the Director of the School of Music and someone deeply rooted in the music business field, seeing our students and faculty, Javier Mendoza, record with Yandel on a commercial label is incredibly powerful,” said Veloz. “It’s not just a first—it’s a breakthrough. We’ve always talked about bridging the gap between the classroom and the industry, and this is that bridge in action. Our students are not just performing—they’re building careers, pushing creative boundaries, and reshaping what it means to be a young professional in music today. I’m proud, inspired, and energized by what this moment represents.”

This philosophy aligns with initiatives like FIU Wertheim Music on Tour, which allows students to perform across South Florida and beyond—expanding their resumes while promoting cultural engagement. The Sinfónico tour is the highest-profile extension of this mission to date.

And as the collaboration continues to evolve, it reflects the kind of opportunity the Wertheim School of Music is committed to creating: immersive, career-shaping moments that prepare students not just to enter the industry—but to shape it.

With each new stage, each new audience, this partnership is opening doors—and proving that when vision meets preparation, a campus performance can become something much more: a cultural milestone with global reach.