Mariana Ramirez is a New York City-based percussionist and drummer recognized for her groundbreaking career on Broadway. In 2018, she became the first female Mexican percussionist to perform on a Broadway show, later joining the national tour of Once on This Island.

She has also performed on Head Over Heels, Ain’t Too Proud, Merrily We Roll Along, and Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish.

 

Mariana currently holds the percussion chair for the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical SIX, whose live album, SIX: Live on Opening Night (Original Broadway Cast Recording), was nominated for a Grammy Award.

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She is the founder of Excelsis, the first multinational all-female percussion quartet in the United States, which has earned critical acclaim and performed at major festivals and venues across the country. In 2024, the ensemble received Chamber Music America's highest grant.

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Beyond Broadway, Ramirez has performed internationally with orchestras, chamber ensembles, and traditional Mexican music groups. She has contributed to numerous recordings and collaborated with organizations such as the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra.

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A passionate advocate for gender equity, cultural exchange, and music education, Ramirez has led independent artistic projects supported by Mexico's FONCA grants and has taught at several respected music institutions in the United States. She has also appeared on television, earned numerous academic and performance awards in Mexico and the United States, and is endorsed by Sabian, Pearl, and Innovative Percussion.