New Inca Son is a renowned folk ensemble that performs the sweet sounds and dances of the Andes Mountains. Its musicians are natives of Peru and Bolivia, and founded its group in Boston over twenty years ago.
“Son” has a double meaning. In Spanish it means “sound,” and this group recreates the sound of its forebears on instruments that were invented by the mighty Inca nation many centuries ago. They are also “sons” and “daughters” of the Inca people, descending from a people that, at its largest, ruled over 6 South American nations. Lead musician Omar will entertain you with pan flutes that are considered a sacred part of Andean life. They have been played for over 1000 years, despite the Conquistador’s efforts to suppress native music. They were buried with high ranking people even before the time of the Inca, so that music could be enjoyed in the next life.
New Inca Son’s performances are characterized by high energy, a warmth of spirit, and an uncanny gift for connecting with audiences of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds. As one LA Times reporter remarked: “New Inca Son is a banquet for the eyes and ears.”
Sit back and let the sounds of the Inca flute take you to the mystical Andean mountains…
Recommended for all ages
Runtime: 60 minutes
Are you an educator interested in bringing your students to a school-time performance? Visit the Education page of our website for more details!
About New Inca Son
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. They are supported by the New England Foundation for the Arts.
This show is presented by Rockland Harbor Hotel, along with our supporting sponsors OUT Maine, Allen Insurance and Financial, First National Bank and First National Wealth Management, as well as grant funding from the Maine Arts Commission.
