In memoriam of Víctor Antonetti Sr., the founder of Orquesta Antonetti and a beloved figure in the Rochester Latin music community, WXXI brings to you an encore show about Latin music and its vibrance in the Rochester Latin community, featuring Víctor Antonetti Sr.
Cultural Expressions: Pride, Heritage, and Family reairs Friday, September 5 at 8:30 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streams live on the WXXI app.
In this episode of Cultural Expressions, Julio Saenz, author of “Rochester’s Latino Community,” along with members of two prominent families—Antonetti and Padilla—and members of the City of Rochester Hispanic Heritage Committee engage in meaningful conversations about the lives, contributions, and history of Rochester’s Hispanic community. Featuring siblings: Nydia, Annette, and Tony Padilla; siblings Víctor and Maria Antonetti; and Ray Mayoliz, Erica Hernandez, and Johanna Santiago from the City of Rochester Hispanic Heritage Committee.
Born in Salinas, Puerto Rico in 1948 and moving to Rochester in 1956, Víctor founded Orquesta Antonetti in 1970 alongside family members. The band quickly became a big part of the burgeoning Salsa music scene in Rochester and soon grew into a versatile ensemble performing merengue, mambo, tango, jazz, and more. Antonetti Sr. recently received the Key to the City of Rochester from Mayor Malik Evans for his distinct contribution to the city’s cultural history, inspiring audiences and bridging cultures through his artistry and leadership. Víctor Antonetti Sr. passed away on Friday, August 22, 2025 at the age of 77.
Photo: Víctor Antonetti Sr. playing congas.
Credit: Provided/Víctor Antonetti Jr.