Manuel Gregorio Tavárez Ropero (November 16, 1843[1] – July 1, 1883), was a Puerto Rican classical and danza composer.

He was able to enroll and study music in the Music Conservatory of Paris at the age of 15 with a scholarship granted by "The Economic Society of Friends of Puerto Rico" (La Sociedad Económica Amigos del Pais).

Among his best known works was the funeral march Redención (Redemption), dedicated to the memory of José Campeche; the rhapsody Souvenir de Puerto Rico, and his danzas Recuerdos de Antaño (Remembrance of Yesteryear) and what is considered his greatest work, the danza Margarita.

The music created by Tavárez would always be recognized as an integral part of Puerto Rican culture.

Manuel Gregorio Tavárez Ropero died on July 1, 1883, in the city of Ponce, Puerto Rico.

Tavárez has been honored by the Government of Puerto Rico with the naming of public buildings and institutions after him.