A Musical Friendship: Osorio and Ruhstrat Rediscover Mexico’s Salon Treasures

Cedille Records is proud to record together two longtime collaborators and cherished members of Chicago’s musical community — pianist Jorge Federico Osorio and violinist Desirée Ruhstrat — in an upcoming recording project that is as personal as it is artistically distinctive. Their partnership dates back decades, to Osorio’s move to Chicago in 1998, rooted in shared musical curiosity and deep respect for each other’s artistry.

Their planned album, Music from Mexico for Violin and Piano, shines a light on rarely heard repertoire with lyrical, romantic works drawn from Mexico’s salon tradition. Elegant and intimate, these pieces offer a glimpse into a rich musical culture that has too often remained outside the international spotlight. Through their collaboration, Osorio and Ruhstrat bring this music to life with sensitivity and conviction, inviting listeners to discover its charm and expressive depth.

The project also carries deep personal significance for Osorio. The album includes works by José Sabre Marroquín, a composer closely connected to Osorio’s musical upbringing. A friend of the legendary violinist Henryk Szeryng — and of Osorio’s parents — Marroquín would often visit the family’s home in Mexico City, sharing his compositions and hearing Szeryng perform them for the very first time there. These formative experiences left a lasting impression, making this recording both a tribute and a homecoming.

With this release, Cedille continues its mission of connecting artists, honoring personal histories, and bringing meaningful, lesser-known music to listeners everywhere.