Victor Valdes
“Wherever there is a Spanish speaker, there is a brother or sister…”
Name: Victor Valdes
Occupation: Musical Director, Composer and Producer
State of residency: NSW
Favourite place in Australia: Nielsen Park or Shark Beach In Vaucluse
Upon Arrival: I was surprised by the beautiful architecture, especially around The Rocks and Martin Place in Sydney
Story edited by Lucy Coulson. Digital edition by Johany Ortiz.
Victor is a Mexican world music artist and multi-instrumentalist, recognised primarily as a harpist and vocalist. He also has a background as a professional folk and Latin dancer, and after moving to Sydney, he taught Latin dance at the Sydney Dance Company. Since arriving in Australia, Victor has committed himself to supporting various charities, including the Cancer Council, Red Nose Australia, and the Red Cross. He also participates in fundraising efforts to assist Latin American countries impacted by natural disasters, and visits hospitals to perform for those who are unwell.
In 2022, Victor had the privilege of receiving the Distinguished Mexican Award (Mexicano Distinguido) from the Mexican Institute of Mexicans Abroad. This esteemed recognition celebrates his leadership and significant contributions in Australia, where he has committed himself to promoting Mexican and Latin culture, music, and folklore both in Australia and around the globe. He was also honoured with the title of Best Latin Community Hero at the Latin Awards 2025. Furthermore, during his childhood and teenage years, he achieved national championship titles in Mexican folk dancing for three consecutive years.
Victor collaborating with Plácido Domingo.
Victor has dedicated himself to promoting Mexican and Hispanic culture while emphasizing the significance of multiculturalism in Australia. In 2001, he became a part of Cultural Infusion 2000, where he developed numerous school workshops aimed at introducing young individuals to the rich cultures of Mexico and other Hispanic nations. Additionally, he established Australia's first and only professional Mariachi band, performing authentic Mariachi music alongside local musicians whom he personally trained. Together, they have graced important stages and theatres throughout Australia.
As a solo harpist, he has collaborated with some of Australia's most recognisable artists, including Jimmy Barnes, The Wiggles, Diego Torre, Mirusia, José Carbo, and Monsieur Camembert, as well as internationally with Aloe Blacc, Los Lobos, and Plácido Domingo. Victor’s most recent collaboration occurred at the Australia Day Concert 2026, where he had the privilege of being part of an incredible lineup of artists representing not only Australia but also the Hispanic community.
MY STORY
Victor uses his performances to celebrate and share the richness of Mexican culture.
My journey has been a blend of immense rewards and considerable challenges. I had the privilege of being a member of Tlen Huicani, Mexico's most renowned folk band, which is affiliated with the Cultural Affairs Department at the University of Veracruz. My touring adventures in Australia began in 1992. During this time, we performed at the Sydney Opera House as part of the Festival of Cultures, and the Mexican Festival of Sydney, in addition to giving numerous small concerts at various universities and theatres across cities such as Sydney, Wollongong, Canberra, Melbourne, and Adelaide.
After an intensive tour across Europe, Asia, and North, Central, and South America, I chose Sydney as my new home. My motivation stemmed from the incredible organisation and appreciation for the arts and music that I experienced while touring with Tlen Huicani. My first job upon arriving in Sydney came after encountering many closed doors due to my limited English proficiency and my struggle to navigate the music industry. I discovered my first job by busking in the vibrant atmosphere of Circular Quay. I transitioned from being a proud representative of Mexico's rich culture, travelling from Mexico to perform at the Sydney Opera House concert hall, to busking on the streets.
This experience was one of the most challenging times in my career and life, yet it led to profound personal growth. I emerged as a new Victor, learning from the humbleness of Sydney's streets and the kindness of its people. Remarkably, my best professional connections came from those I met along the way. I started landing opportunities with law firms, politicians, and various festivals. From that point on, I convinced myself that I was destined to pursue my music, fully committing to the idea that music would be my sole career, just as it was in Mexico.
Victor is always seeking opportunities to collaborate with other artists.
In 1999, I was advised to put together a Salsa band and get a "real job", but as a Mexican artist, my goal was to form a band dedicated to promoting my own culture, much like Tlen Huicani still does. I chose to focus on establishing a Mariachi band, which embodies the essence of Mexico's musical heritage. This is how the Real Mexico Mariachi Band was born, which I later renamed the "Victor Valdes Mariachi Band" on the advice of my dear friend and mentor, Jimmy Barnes.
Throughout the years, I have dedicated my time to training professional Australian musicians from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds in the vibrant world of Mariachi. I have travelled with many of them to Guadalajara, Mexico, on two occasions — 2001 and 2019 — to participate in and represent Australia at the "Encuentro Internacional del Mariachi y la Charrería". Additionally, we have toured French Polynesia, Southeast Asia, China, and Japan, showcasing our Mexican/Australian Mariachi band in these distant lands. Currently, I am focused on showcasing our Viva Mexico musical and theatrical production in the most prestigious theatres across Australia and Southeast Asia.
CHALLENGES
The language – It was difficult experiencing a loss of confidence due to not being able to communicate.
Loneliness – When I arrived, I felt completely lonely and disconnected from friends and family (there was no Facebook at the time…)
New systems – It was hard to learn all the different regulations including the tax system, business permits and so on.
CONTRASTS AND SIMILARITIES
Victor is proud to share his passion with everyone.
When I compare Veracruz and Mexican culture with life in Australia, I notice several important differences. First, there was very little that felt similar because the priorities were completely different. Second, people in Australia generally place greater importance on order, schedules and structure than on enjoyment. Third, punctuality is one of the most important values in Australian society, which is the opposite where I come from.
Were there any Latino values that assisted me in settling into Australia? Absolutely! The solidarity and camaraderie within the Hispanic community in Australia is remarkable. Wherever there is a Spanish speaker, there is a brother or sister — here in Australia, there are no borders or countries when it comes to supporting each other.
PIECE OF ADVICE
Stay open – Come with an open mind to reset and adapt, without losing your cultural heritage.
Be adaptable – To find success, cultivate the courage and determination needed to stay focused on your goals while remaining highly adaptable to various challenges.
Reach for help – Find help within your friendship groups, the community, the government, but most importantly go out and build your network, while always keeping in touch with your loved ones.
IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS
Looking forward, Victor will be focused on developing his solo career while continuing to tour nationally and internationally, both as a solo artist and with his Viva Mexico production. Catch him when he comes to you!
Do you want to follow Victor’s journey? Connect with him on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook
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With love and gratitude - The Latin Stories Australia team