"The new [Mariachitlán] orchestration brings the score to splendid life.”

"Contreras’s writing feels fun and serious, fractured and coherent, modern and traditional."

"A composer who has revolutionized classical music."

“Contreras blends classical contemporary music with Mexican popular music, using clear ideas and extremely defined emotions.”

“Contreras follows the steps of Moncayo and Revueltas"

"Mariachitlán is the New Huapango"

"MeChicano is a sonic cross-culture kaleidoscope that borrowed equally from Mexican music styles — toe-tapping cumbia, flashes of mariachi, Mexican waltz and Tejano polka — and quintessential American — jazz and rock, including a drum kit that sounded rock-stage worthy."