For three decades, the Mexico-based Tambuco Percussion Ensemble has electrified global audiences with its groundbreaking performances and original repertoire. Widely regarded as one of the premier percussion quartets in the world, Tambuco has captivated listeners with its ability to explore and expand the vast universe of percussion music. Most recently, the ensemble brought its artistry to Plano, performing at the Robinson Fine Arts Center.
Founded in 1993 by four visionary musicians — Ricardo Gallardo, Alfredo Bringas, Raúl Tudón and Miguel González — Tambuco has earned four Grammy nominations, including nods for Best Classical Album and Best Chamber Ensemble, and has shown the world how music transcends language. Renowned for their versatility and innovation, the group refuses to be confined by genre. Their repertoire spans structuralist percussion compositions, ethnic drum traditions and avant-garde soundscapes, all delivered with a commitment to precision and virtuosity.
Tambuco’s acclaim extends far and wide, with numerous awards from cultural organizations in Mexico and abroad. The quartet has graced prestigious stages across five continents, including Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Barbican Centre, Berliner Festspiele and Japan’s Ino and Toppan Halls, as well as nearly every major concert venue in Mexico. Notably, in 2015, they contributed percussion to the theme music for James Bond: Spectre and made an appearance in the film's opening sequence.
Local Profile recently spoke with Ricardo Gallardo, the artistic director of Tambuco Percussion Ensemble about what music means to the group and how they continue to inspire after three decades.
How are you able to create new and unique listening experiences for audiences?
On one hand, the repertoire for percussion ensemble is relatively new to concert music. The first piece ever written for percussion ensemble, was composed in 1930, less than a century ago. On the other hand, percussion instruments have an ancestral origin. The fusion of innovative musical languages performed on traditional instruments results in a sound that is both strikingly original and strangely familiar. These old instruments take on new voices and modern languages, blending the past and present in a uniquely expressive way.
"Percussion music, in particular, carries a significant visual dimension," Gallardo said.
The performance transcends auditory boundaries, engaging not just the ears but also the eyes. This dual sensory experience makes a Tambuco concert a compelling blend of sound and movement. Moreover, the members of Tambuco bring an open, dynamic and engaging body language to their performances. This connection creates an intimate bond with audiences, transforming every concert into a powerful, shared experience.
Why is music so influential and important?
Music, as a profound and timeless art form, shapes our identity and reveals the essence of who we are," It carries the echoes of our past, preserving memories that remind us where we’ve been, while simultaneously inspiring the dreams that guide us toward the future. In every life, there comes a moment when a melody resonates deeply, giving voice to our thoughts and emotions, making sense of what words cannot express. Music has the power to transcend language, speaking directly to the soul, igniting ideas and bonding hearts without saying a single word.
What is the best part of performing?
At times, many audiences believe that displaying technically intricate performances is the summit of music artistry, yet such displays often serve only to gratify the performer’s or the presenter’s ego. The true essence of music lies in its ability to transform the performer into a vehicle for ideas and emotions that inspire, provoke change and foster greater understanding and compassion. Music, in its purest form, flows and manifests through us performers, transcending technical prowess to touch the hearts and minds of all who listen.
What is the most difficult aspect of performing?
"The greatest challenge lies in resisting the illusion of success," Gallardo said.
A true performer approaches their craft with humility, embracing their role as a devoted servant of the music, allowing it to shine beyond their own presence.
What do you hope audiences will take away from your performance?
I hope the audience embraces our unique and deeply personal way of communicating through music — recognizing our distinct artistic identity and the passion with which we recreate and reimagine every note.
How do your heritage and culture reflect the music you make?
We are a quartet of musicians with formal academic training in contemporary concert music, which has provided us with a deep understanding of modern universal musical languages. However, our experience extends far beyond the concert hall, enriched by our engagement with diverse cultures through a wide array of percussion instruments.
Unlike many other instrumentalists in concert music, percussionists like us must master instruments deeply rooted in popular traditions that remain very alive. This connection profoundly shapes our craft, infusing our interpretations of contemporary music with unique depth and authenticity. Living in a country with a rich and varied musical heritage further amplifies this influence. We believe that this dynamic blend of training, cultural immersion and tradition is vividly reflected in our distinctive approach to interpreting music.
What is your proudest moment so far?
What we are most proud of is the profound recognition that Tambuco represents, not just as a musical project, but also as a cultural institution that has not only endured but thrived for over 31 years. Throughout this journey, we have grown into becoming a vital cultural asset for our country, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music. Our contribution to the evolution of universal literature for percussion instruments is important, with more than 200 original works written expressly for our ensemble. This body of work stands as a lasting legacy, shaping and enriching the landscape of percussion music for generations to come.
After being nominated for multiple Grammys, what kind of goals and aspirations do you have now?
Thirty-one years ago, when Tambuco was founded, we established clear and ambitious goals: to learn and master a diverse array of percussion instruments and techniques (including drums, cymbals, bells, xylophones and other rhythm instrument), to consistently premiere works composed specifically for us — born from collaborations with composers of all backgrounds and nationalities — and to foster partnerships with musicians, ensembles and cultural institutions around the globe. As we reflect on our journey, we are proud to note that these original aspirations have remained remarkably consistent over the years.
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