MARLINTON, W.Va. (WVDN) – The Pocahontas County Opera House is excited to welcome Andes Manta for a performance on Saturday, May 17, at 7 p.m. The concert promises to offer a rare and vibrant cultural experience through the sounds of traditional Andean music.
Andes Manta, a musical group made up of four brothers—Fernando, Luis, Bolivar and Jorge Lopez—has spent decades preserving and sharing the musical heritage of the Ecuadorian Andes. Their performances act as a cultural bridge, building understanding between audiences in South America and North America.
As part of their visit, Andes Manta will host a panpipe-making workshop at the Opera House from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on the day of the performance. During this hands-on activity, participants will use prepared kits featuring eight pre-tuned bamboo cane tubes and assembly materials to craft their own instruments. Once completed, Andes Manta will teach participants how to play a simple song using their handmade panpipes.
Participation in the workshop is limited, and pre-registration is required. Individuals can register online at pocahontasoperahouse.org to secure their spot.
The group will also provide a special presentation for Pocahontas County schools, aligning with the Opera House’s commitment to youth engagement and connecting the area’s next generation with diverse artistic traditions.
Andes Manta’s music, rooted in traditions that date back thousands of years, is widely regarded as a vibrant celebration of life. The genre, shaped by centuries of cultural expression, features melodies played on more than 35 unique instruments, including piccolos, panpipes, guitars and drums. Known for blending pre-Columbian influences with Catholic rituals, Andes Manta’s performances honor ancient traditions while captivating audiences worldwide.
Tickets for the performance are $10 for adults, while individuals 17 and under can attend for free. Tickets can be purchased online at pocahontasoperahouse.org, at the 4th Avenue Gallery in Marlinton or at the door on the night of the event, subject to availability.
The Opera House Performance Series is supported by the West Virginia Division of Culture and History, the West Virginia Commission on the Arts, Pocahontas County Dramas, Fairs and Festivals, and the Pocahontas County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
