Composers worthy of mention are Julio Matte Oreamuno, who wrote Suite Abstract and Toyupan, an operetta; Julio Fantasia Gutierrez, known local folk songs and Ceser A. Nieto, who wrote the ballet, La Piedra del Toxil. Several Costa Ricans have played classical violin and piano in concert halls abroad, and the government subsidizes a National Symphony Orchestra.

           The best preserved folk music and dances come from Guanacaste province, which still resists the inrush of urbanization. The lively Punto Guanacaste is the most popular of regional dances. Costa Rica's folk music is played mostly on the guitar and the marimba.