Mariana Ornelas playing the harp
KRTU Receives Posthumous Gift from San Antonio Musician Mariana Ornelas
In March, San Antonio lost accomplished musician, community activist and professor Mariana Ornelas.

Ms. Ornelas moved to San Antonio in the 1980s and was an active contributor to the community until she passed away from ovarian cancer on March 6th. In addition to teaching as Professor of the Humanities at San Antonio Community College (Palo Alto), Ornelas served on the board of the Esperanza Peace & Justice Center, co-founded the Dellview Area Neighborhood Association and volunteered to play Paraguayan harp at senior homes, along with many other altruistic activities and projects. She is remembered in this San Antonio Current article.  

KRTU is honored to receive the generous gift of $55,000 from such a dedicated member of the cultural arts community in San Antonio, and to share in the celebration of her legacy. Music Director Kory Cook remembers Ms. Ornelas:

“Mariana was an inspiring artist who believed in the sharing of ideas in music through local gatherings and performances. She was a highly accomplished harp player and embraced the multi-cultural aspects of music. Mariana also supported Jazz 91.7 FM KRTU through her generosity and understanding of the importance in supporting the arts in the community of San Antonio.”

To view a video of Ms. Ornelas playing the harp, click here.

The donation received from Ms. Ornelas plays a critical role in helping KRTU fulfill its mission as an inspiring cultural institution, serving the Trinity University and San Antonio community, and supports its work to set a standard for exceptional jazz programming nationally.

To find out more information about making a bequest or planned gift to KRTU, click here.  

KRTU is a leader in commercial-free, listener-supported radio specializing in diverse music programming that is locally-curated and showcases regional musicians, with a focus on community outreach and education.

KRTU.Org Website

You might be interested in