Farewell to a Legendary Mexican Maestro

Blue Lake Public Radio | By Foley Schuler

Published April 1, 2025 at 5:05 PM EDT

Wednesday afternoon on Blue Lake Public Radio, Foley Schuler pays tribute to conductor Enrique Bátiz, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 82.

Enrique Batiz, who died on March 30 at his home in Mexico at the age of 82, founded the State of Mexico Symphony Orchestra in 1971 and directed it for more than 40 years. Over his career he also conducted the Mexico City Philharmonic, and in the 1980s served as Principal Guest Conductor of the Royal Philharmonic in London. He toured worldwide with his orchestras and recorded prolifically—over 150 recordings. Wednesday afternoon from 1-5, Foley Schuler will remember the esteemed conductor with highlights drawn from his wide discography.

Foley Schuler

Encouraged by creative parents, Foley began his music career at age 7, studying violin with Jean Manning at North Muskegon Public Schools. As a Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp camper, he became Blue Lake Public Radio’s first high school intern. Foley earned an English Literature degree from Hope College, and Masters in Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing from the Warren Wilson College. He has performed with the West Michigan (formerly West Shore) Symphony; served on the English Department faculty at Muskegon Community College, and been the Music, Art & Theatre reviewer for the Muskegon Chronicle. He follows his love of the arts around the globe, but says, “There is no place like the Blue Lake setting, sharing extraordinary music with our listeners.” Foley hosts Blue Lake Public Radio’s weekday classical music from 1 to 5 p.m. and “Sunday on Blue Lake”.

See stories by Foley Schuler