New Inca Son (Quechua and Aymara)

New Inca Son brings the vibrant spirit of the Andes to life through powerful music, dynamic dance, and a deep commitment to cultural preservation. Founded in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and composed of native musicians from Peru and Bolivia, New Inca Son is proud to represent the rich indigenous traditions of the Quechua and Aymara peoples. The group’s mission is to share and sustain this cultural legacy by educating and inspiring audiences of all ages.

Described by Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart as a “proud bearer of an indispensable cultural legacy,” New Inca Son has performed on renowned stages across the United States. Highlights include appearances at both Smithsonian National Museums of the American Indian (New York City and Washington, D.C.), the Kennedy Center for the Arts, the Smithsonian FolkLife Festival, and The Mann Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia, where they performed for over 4,000 students from inner-city schools.

In 2024, New Inca Son was named BarnArts Global Music Resident, leading performances and workshops throughout New Hampshire and Vermont. The group offers a wide range of interactive educational programs, including hands-on instrument workshops, traditional Andean dance, and school residencies that connect meaningfully to subjects such as music, dance, social studies, world history, and Spanish. Their efforts in arts education have been recognized with honors including the 2007 Distinguished Arts Educator in Music Award from the Massachusetts Alliance for Arts Education and the 2009 Gold Star Award from the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

New Inca Son regularly collaborates with schools, libraries, performing arts centers, and cultural organizations across the country. Whether engaged for International Week, Hispanic Heritage Month, or a custom program tailored to a specific theme, the group is flexible in size, from soloist to full ensemble, and in pricing. Special rates may be available for multi-activity engagements or grant-supported events. Manager Marianne Ruggiero is available to assist with grant proposals, including those to NEFA (New England Foundation for the Arts).


Photo by Tahila Mintz.