Bambú Ensemble, the only permanent string octet on the Spanish music scene today, grew out of the great musical and personal affinity that first developed between its eight players when they were members of the Spanish National Youth Orchestra (JONDE) and the European Union Youth Orchestra (EUYO). While they make up a versatile group, capable of performing in various different formations, they usually choose to appear as an octet. Among other reasons, it was the extensive range of sonic possibilities and wide spectrum of musical expression offered by this formation that encouraged Bambú Ensemble to explore and perform a repertoire rarely heard today.
Of those who influenced the players during their training, particular mention must be made of Cibrán Sierra, violinist of the Cuarteto Quiroga and Professor of Chamber Music at the Universität Mozarteum Salzburg. By working closely together on a regular basis since creating the ensemble, its members have established an effective methodology that enables it to keep evolving. Their philosophy is to find a way of combining performances in more isolated parts of Spain, where few live concerts are given, with participation in prestigious national and international concerts series and music festivals. As well as having made debuts at Madrid's Auditorio Nacional and Fundación Juan March, Bambú Ensemble has worked in collaboration with Spain's National Centre for the Dissemination of Music (CNDM), performing unpublished works by Cristóbal Halffter as part of the celebrations surrounding the composer's 90th birthday. It has taken part in the Fundación Vital "Martes Musicales" (Musical Tuesdays) series and in the MusaE (Music in National Museums) project. It has also worked with RTVE, as well as with the philharmonic societies of Pontevedra, Rías Baixas, Vilagarcía and Gijón. This ensemble has been invited to perform at the Grafenegg Festival in Austria and at the Prieuré Le Mesnil Saint Martin in France, among others.
Understanding the importance of maintaining close links with the wider community, the Bambú Ensemble players also enjoy interacting with their audiences to encourage engagement with the chamber repertoire and giving benefit concerts in cooperation with various charitable organisations.
