Orchestral Superheroes: Composer-Conductor Juan Pablo Contreras on Merging Classical Music and Mexican Wrestling in Lucha Libre!
Juan Pablo Contreras. Credit: Greg Cahill
Classical music so often feels divorced from pop culture, but we don't need to dive too deep into the history books to see how much composers of the past embraced the cultural traditions of their homelands. Béla Bartók traveled across Hungary documenting folk songs, Gustav Mahler wove popular tunes into his First Symphony, and even Mozart composed background music for playing the popular card games of his day.
Is it possible for today's composers to once again marry concert music with aspects of popular culture? Juan Pablo Contreras thinks so.
The Mexican composer-conductor thrives on combining Western classical and Mexican folk music into a single soundscape that's all his own. And in his dazzling 2022 orchestral work Lucha Libre!, he's also incorporating one of his country's most beloved traditions: the choreographed wrestling spectacles that emerged in the 1950s, in which wrestlers act as superheroes waging battles between good and evil.
Commissioned by the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Lucha Libre! transforms the stage into a live wrestling match, with six of the orchestral musicians wearing the iconic luchador masks. For Contreras, the work is not only an example of his artistic mission to bring people into the concert hall with music that feels relevant and exciting, but also a way for him to pay homage to the virtuosity of classical musicians.
"For me, classical musicians are like superheroes," Contreras says on the latest episode of the Classical Post podcast. "They do something almost impossible with their instrument. They are very gifted, and they have to do things in collaboration with other musicians so the magic happens. The same thing happens in lucha libre — everything is choreographed, so even if the teams are rivals, they have to work together to give the people a good spectacle."
In this episode, recorded just before the work's LA premiere, we talk more about the genesis of the piece, how Contreras collaborated with local communities to shape the work, and how he hopes Lucha Libre! inspires people to consider their own superhero persona. Plus, he shares how film and architecture inspire his creativity, the importance of daily meditation, and his favorite West Hollywood spot for Peruvian paella.
Stream Lucha Libre!, performed by the Orquestra Latino Mexicana — a group Contreras founded in his hometown of Guadalajara — on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, or wherever you listen to music.
Follow Classical Post on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or other platforms.
More Episodes
Composer Sean Shepherd shares his journey from Reno to international commissions with leading orchestras, highlighting the role of mentorship, friendship, and collaboration in shaping his music. He discusses works like Lattice Work, Quadruple Concerto, and Sprout, offering insights into his creative process, influences, and belief in music as a living, collaborative art.
Pianist Tanya Gabrielian shares her uncompromising approach to music-making—balancing radical authenticity, intellectual depth, and a mission to revive forgotten works. From Alexander Siloti’s overlooked editions to transformative audience encounters, discover how Gabrielian redefines success in the classical world.
Discover the story of the Leonkoro Quartet—Berlin’s rising chamber ensemble making waves across Europe and North America. In this Classical Post podcast, they share how a viral YouTube video launched their career, the impact of mentorship from legendary quartets, highlights from their North American debut tour, and the creative spark behind their upcoming Alpha Classics album. A conversation about friendship, artistry, and building something that lasts.
Discover the story of baritone Konstantin Krimmel, from his early days in a German boys’ choir to international acclaim at venues like the Bavarian State Opera, Wigmore Hall, Schubertiade, and his U.S. debut. In this Classical Post podcast, Krimmel shares how competitions, repertoire choices, and his passion for storytelling through song have shaped his career.
The name Rimsky-Korsakov is enshrined in the canon of Russian music, yet until now, one remarkable branch of that musical lineage remained nearly forgotten. With the release of YULIYA: Forgotten Songs of Julia Weissberg Rimsky-Korsakov on Azica Records, soprano Sarah Moulton Faux and pianist-composer Konstantin Soukhovetski revive the voice of Julia Weissberg Rimsky-Korsakov (1878–1942)—Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s daughter-in-law, a brilliant Jewish composer whose legacy was buried by antisemitism, war, and time.
Harpist Ashley Jackson’s Take Me to the Water redefines classical music with a spiritual, cross-cultural journey through works by Alice Coltrane, Debussy, and Margaret Bonds. Blending sacred traditions and global lineages, her album is a powerful meditation on unity, beauty, and reflection.
Mezzo-soprano Devony Smith and pianist Danny Zelibor reimagine American art song in In This Short Life—a powerful debut album of contemporary works by diverse composers like Higdon, Lang, Boykin, and Liverman. Out June 13, it’s a bold celebration of collaboration, resilience, and genre-defying artistry.
Explore how the Takács Quartet bridges generations through music—pairing Florence Price and Dvořák, collaborating with Marc-André Hamelin, and championing new voices like Clarice Assad and Jordan Bak. Rooted in tradition, they continue to innovate from their home in Boulder, Colorado.
Discover the remarkable journey of Sir Stephen Hough—from early acclaim and Grammy-winning performances to composing during the pandemic. Explore how this celebrated pianist, writer, and composer continues to evolve with curiosity, craftsmanship, and courage in the world of classical music.
Explore flutist Demarre McGill’s path from rising talent to principal roles, Avery Fisher Career Grant winner, mentor of talent, and champion of new music.
Discover violinist Bella Hristova’s journey from Bulgaria to Carnegie Hall, her Lineage project, and her impact on solo violin repertoire and new music.
Discover pianist Kate Liu’s remarkable rise from Chopin International Competition laureate to globe‑trotting soloist. Explore her new Orchid Classics release pairing Beethoven’s transcendent Sonata Op. 110 with Brahms’s youthful yet monumental Sonata No. 3, plus upcoming concerto dates in Zagreb, Ann Arbor and Warsaw.
Explore how composer Sebastian Currier fuses classical roots, bold collaborations, and new technologies to redefine contemporary music’s possibilities.
Discover how Norwegian cellist Sandra Lied Haga evolved from child prodigy to global star, performing iconic concertos and forging a bold classical legacy
Discover how violinist Maria Dueñas merges virtuosic technique and deep expression—from competition triumphs to her bold new Paganini Caprices album.
Explore how baritone Will Liverman merges gospel roots, bold operatic performances, and groundbreaking projects like ‘The Factotum’ to shape opera’s future.
Discover Simone Dinnerstein’s path from self-produced Bach recordings to innovative collaborations, redefining classical piano performance on her own terms
Discover how conductor Kellen Gray merges his Southern roots, global artistry, and African diaspora composers to reshape classical music for modern audiences
Explore how tenor Karim Sulayman transformed early struggles into a Grammy-winning career, embracing authenticity and self-discovery on his own terms.
Explore how soprano Leah Hawkins blends technical brilliance, authentic expression, and fearless innovation—from her Philadelphia roots to iconic roles like Aida.
Explore Alexey Stadler’s journey from St. Petersburg to the BBC Proms, his passion for social impact, and how he’s redefining 21st-century cello artistry.
Discover the Calidore String Quartet’s remarkable journey from their formation at the Colburn School to performing Beethoven’s complete quartets. Explore how mentorship, collaboration, and a commitment to innovation have shaped their legacy in the world of chamber music.
Discover Terrence Wilson’s inspiring journey from a gifted Bronx youngster to a celebrated classical pianist. Explore his defining performances, passion for new repertoire, and commitment to nurturing future generations.
British tenor Nick Pritchard redefines the English tenor tradition with authentic performances of Bach, Handel, and Mozart, blending tradition and innovation.
Explore Sir Karl Jenkins’ musical legacy—from Adiemus to The Armed Man—and discover how his boundary-breaking compositions unite audiences worldwide.
Discover how internationally acclaimed pianist Claire Huangci blends technical brilliance with authentic expression, connecting with audiences worldwide through innovative programming and heartfelt performances.
Violinist Vadim Gluzman and Colorado’s COmpass REsonance (CORE) unite centuries of musical tradition with bold innovation, bringing Bach’s timeless genius and contemporary masterpieces to life in transformative performances.
Discover how pianist Adam Golka redefines success with narrative performances, genuine connections, and unbridled artistic curiosity in the classical music world.
Discover how violinist Nancy Zhou fuses Chinese folk roots, classical mastery, and a deep humanist vision to forge a unique musical legacy. Explore her latest solo recording, cultural influences, and dedication to bridging communities through the power of the violin.