The National Music Museum welcomes acclaimed charango virtuoso Alejandro Ataucusi for a special noontime concert exploring the vibrant sounds of Andean music and beyond. A guitarist, composer, and educator, Ataucusi is celebrated for his mastery of both the charango and the hatun charango, instruments deeply tied to Andean musical tradition.Born and raised in Lima, Peru, he has performed throughout Peru, the United States, and Europe, and in 2022 was named by El Peruano newspaper as one of the “finest interpreters of the hatun charango.”

In addition to his solo artistry, Ataucusi is the founder and bandleader of the Afro-Peruvian jazz group Forbidden Tropics, with whom he has released multiple projects including the critically acclaimed Peruvian Rhapsody (2022). His unique musical voice bridges tradition and innovation, blending Andean heritage with jazz, classical, and contemporary influences. He has also contributed to the cultural and academic discourse on traditional Andean music through lectures and performances at Rutgers University, New York University, and the University of California, Riverside.

Ataucusi’s artistry has earned him endorsements from leading instrument makers such as Godin and Hanika Guitars, as well as recognition from the Middlesex County Board of Commissioners in New Jersey for his outstanding contributions to music, education, and cultural heritage. Audiences at the National Music Museum will have the rare opportunity to experience his artistry up close, as he showcases the expressive range of the charango family in an unforgettable performance.

The NMM Live! Series is made possible by the USD Student Government Association and the South Dakota Arts Council through the Department of Tourism, and the National Endowment for the Arts.