Mariachi Cobre

Mariachi Cobre represents Mariachi music, one of the world's most exciting folk idioms and a vital part of Mexico's cultural identity. Nowhere is that identity better represented than in the music of this group. Their performances have a way of lifting the soul, of conveying the richness and emotional power of Mariachi music.

Founded in 1971 in Tucson, Arizona by Randy Carrillo, Mariachi Cobre celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2006. Since 1982, this 12-piece ensemble of violins, trumpets and guitars, has played to the crowds at EPCOT 's Mexico Pavilion at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Cobre's performances -- showcases of bold, stirring vocal harmonies, complex rhythms and exuberant playing -- are world class, Mariachi at its best.

Mariachi Cobre credits

Mariachi Cobre has collaborated with international artists Linda Ronstadt, Vikki Carr, Lola Beltran, Lucha Villa, Julio Iglesias, Guadalupe Pineda, Angeles Ochoa, Aída Cuevas, Pedro Fernandez, Pepe Aguilar, Beatriz Adriana, Jose Luis Rodriguez "El Puma", Rocio Banquells, Lorenzo de Monte Claro, Carlos Santana, Beatriz Montes, Celia Cruz, Angela Carrasco, Herb Alpert, Nydia Rojas, Ana Gabriel and Alison Kraus.

Mariachi Cobre has appeared yearly on Univision's TV broadcasts “PREMIO LO NUESTRO A LA MUSICA LATINA” and “NUESTRA BELLEZA,” award shows which are televised in eighteen countries. Cobre gained additional international exposure during a visit of the Netherlands and was featured at the First and Third International "Encuentro de Mariachi" in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.

Mariachi Cobre performances

Mariachi Cobre appearance on the symphony orchestra scene has resulted in some very novel and remarkable performances. The collaborations with Vikki Carr and the San Antonio and San Jose Symphony Orchestras were met with popular and critical acclaim. They have performed with famed trumpeter, Doc Severinsen and the Milwaukee, Phoenix and Minnesota Symphony Orchestras, as well as the Buffalo, Cincinnati, Columbus, Evansville, Guadalajara, Jacksonville, Long Beach, Modesto, Monterey, Utah, New Mexico and Tucson Orchestras. In 2000 and 2001 Cobre performed, recorded and toured with the Boston Pops.

Mariachi Cobre recordings include: “Mariachi Cobre”, “Este es Mi Mariachi”, “XV Anniversary”, and “The Latin Album” – Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops.

Mariachi Cobre members include: Randy Carrillo, Stephen Carrillo, Christopher Figueroa, Pablo Héctor Gama, Roberto Martínez, Israel Gálvez Molina, Miguel Ángel Molina, Antonio Hernández, Mack Ruiz, Mario Trujillo and Javier Trujillo.

In 1964, Tucson, Arizona saw the formation of the first youth mariachi in the United States. This group was comprised solely of Mexican-Americans and Anglo-Americans. In 1971 the Mariachi Cobre emerged from this youth group and has since earned a position as one of the world’s most respected mariachis. In 2006, they celebrated its 35th anniversary.

Since its founding in 1971 by Randy M. Carrillo, the Mariachi Cobre has played a key role in the preservation and dissemination of Mexico’s most representative musical folk form. In 1981, Mariachi Cobre planted the seed from which the Tucson International Mariachi Conference has grown to international prominence. This “conference” concept has spread throughout the United States and the importance and popularity of these events has caused an upsurge of dozens of youth mariachis and heightened the level of study and appreciation of this musical form.

Since 1982, the Mariachi Cobre has performed at EPCOT’s Mexico Pavilion at Walt Disney Word where they have exposed mariachi music to millions of people from around the world.

Mariachi Cobre has not only performed with the great artists of Mexican music but has also collaborated with great musicians of other genres. They have been featured with Vikki Carr and the San Antonio and San Jose Symphony Orchestras, Doc Severinsen and the Milwaukee, Phoenix and Minnesota symphony orchestras as well as the Buffalo, Columbus, Cincinnati, Evansville, Guadalajara, Jacksonville, Long Beach, Modesto, Monterey, Utah, New Mexico and Tucson Orchestras. In 2000 and 2001, Mariachi Cobre performed, recorded and toured with the Boston Pops.