Troppos Quintet

A vibrant celebration of Spanish and Latin American music, featuring tangos, dance rhythms and colourful melodies full of energy and passion. From Piazzolla’s celebrated tangos to lively concert favourites, this engaging programme combines virtuosity, warmth and irresistible rhythms.

Troppos Quintet plays music that wants to be danced to, presenting audiences with passion packed programmes featuring the sounds of Spain and Latin America.

Their members are clarinettist Pawel Jaworski, violinist Joe Hodson, oboist Sergio Vega Domínguez, tuba player Francisco (Paco) Martínez Merino and also percussionist Eric Alfonso.

When Sergio was studying at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland he reached out to some fellow students to see if anyone wanted to form a chamber music ensemble that he could then write for. However, it wasn’t until the pandemic that he teamed up with his friend Paco and he began writing for oboe, flute and tuba. The group took off and began performing original compositions and arrangements around the country, joined by violinist Eddy Betancourt, succeeded by Joe Hodson and clarinettist Paweł Jaworski.

Troppos is a synthesis of the traditional orchestral formation, attempting to break the often rigid classical rules, in search of a new, innovative sound. With this programme they create a musical journey through the fascinating cultural melting pot that is Spanish and Latin American music – bringing to their audiences the pure beauty and light of this exchange. Troppos want to reconnect the art of their music with the sensuality of dance.

Troppos have performed in different venues and festivals around Scotland, such as the Govan Gala Festival and The Edinburgh Fringe Festival in the Pianodrome. They have also collaborated with well-known Scottish composer and filmmaker James Gray, recording commissioned works by him in a studio in Oban.