In every Sister Cities exchange, there are moments that go beyond schedules and speeches — moments when people connect immediately, even across different languages and traditions. Often, those moments happen through the arts.
For Professor Jorge Martínez Ríos, music is more than performance. It is a bridge.
A valued member of Las Cruces Sister Cities and an Associate Professor of Music at New Mexico State University, Professor Martínez Ríos has shared his talents locally and internationally—bringing the spirit of cultural exchange to life through public performances and musical collaboration.
“Music creates connections immediately—across language, culture, and distance.” Professor Jorge Martínez Ríos
A Recognized Performer and Educator
Professor Martínez Ríos is a respected performer, conductor, and educator. He is also a Latin GRAMMY Award–winning artist, credited as a featured performer on the recording “Brasileiro: Works of Francisco Mignone”, which received the 2012 Latin GRAMMY Award for Best Classical Album.
At NMSU, he teaches viola and chamber music and currently conducts the NMSU New Horizons Symphony, Borderlands Ballet Chamber Orchestra and is Interim Conductor for the Las Cruces Symphony, supporting and inspiring emerging musicians and strengthening the role of music in our community.
Professor Jorge Martínez Ríos conducting the Las Cruces Symphony in Las Cruces.
Nienburg, Germany (2023): Performing for Citizens Across the City
During the Las Cruces Sister Cities exchange with Nienburg, Germany in 2023, Professor Martínez Ríos helped represent Las Cruces through a series of performances for the public.
Along with NMSU Professor, Daniel Vega-Albela (violin), NMSU Graduate Students, Emma de la Rosa (cello) and Fernando Rodriguez (violin) he performed in multiple locations for citizens of Nienburg, helping create shared experiences that strengthened relationships and built lasting goodwill between the two communities.
These performances offered a powerful reminder of why Sister Cities programs matter: cultural exchange is often at its best when it is experienced together.
Left to right: NMSU Professor, Daniel Vega-Albela (violin), NMSU Graduate Students, and Fernando Rodriguez (violin) and Emma de la Rosa (cello), and Professor Jorge Martinez Rios in Nienburg, August, 2023.
Lerdo, Mexico (November 2025): Music as Cultural Celebration
In November 2025, Professor Martínez Ríos participated in the Sister Cities exchange with Lerdo, Mexico, where he performed in Lerdo with pianist Mariana Chabukiani during the visit.
This was more than a musical presentation—it was a celebration of shared values and friendship. Performances like these highlight the unique strength of Sister Cities: connecting communities through the human spirit, mutual hospitality, and cultural pride.
Mariana Chabukiani, pianist and Professor Jorge Martinez Rios in Lerdo, Mexico, November, 2025.
Why His Story Matters to Sister Cities
Sister Cities thrives because members contribute their time, energy, and talents to something larger than themselves. Cultural exchange isn’t only travel—it’s relationship building. It is hosting, listening, participating, and finding ways to connect.
Music plays a special role in this mission. It reaches people instantly. It creates shared memories. It expresses identity while welcoming others.
Las Cruces Sister Cities is proud to recognize Professor Jorge Martínez Ríos for representing our community through excellence, generosity, and cultural connection—helping build friendship across borders, one performance at a time.
Learn More / Get Involved
If you are interested in supporting international friendship through education, the arts, hosting, and cultural exchange, we invite you to learn more about Las Cruces Sister Cities and how to become involved.
