Les Tambours du Bronx

The drum, instrument used for rites and happy occasions, is present in each and every culture. For more than 4000 years, drums have been played in China at every celebratory ceremony.

The 17 musicians that form Les Tambours du Bronx, have taken this universal story further by introducing other rhythms - from the metal works, industral units and the neighbourhood of railway workers - all sounds that will echo perfectly in China. They ring, screech, bang, vibrate and provoke a frenzy that is nearly hypnotic. Allow yourself to be dragged into this crazy flow of energy!

Les Tambours du Bronx started off in 1987 in France. The origin of this "wild" music is found in a workmen's neighbourhood close to the town of Nevers where the noise of the machines inspires the rhythm of the drums. The seventeen musicians from this "French Bronx" quarter use all sorts of tools to make their music. Metal barrels and hammers create a revolutionary and innovative explosion of sound, the music emerging from the clanging of metals.

Jean-Paul Goude is the first person to present this group to the general public in 1989 during the bicentennial celebrations of the French revolution. The fury and energy of the Tambours leave their "Bronx" and travel far. They record the album "Grand Mix", composed by Ris and Sauvageot, with the Pays de la Loire Philharmonic Orchestra and the Bulgarian Voices. They are the supporting act for Jimmy Page and Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin in 1995 and Johnny Hallyday's fans discover them in 2000 under the Eiffel tower. Everywhere they go, the group leaves an unforgettable impression. With their powerful performances they conquer the American public during a sixty-day tour of thirty-eight concert dates. Then it is on to KoRn in Bulgaria in 2005. The Tambours hypnotise the largest music stages in France and abroad such as the Stade de France, Z���nith in Paris, the Vieilles Charrues festival, the Rock festival in Rio. They have collaborated with many prestigious orchestras such as the Paris Conservatory Orchestra in 2007, considered the best conservatory in France.

Twenty-five years and numerous concerts on three continents later, the Tambours still have the same energy to enchant the crowds. It is China's turn to succumb to their vibrant energy. Les Tambours du Bronx are seventeen personalities that confront each other, harmonize and unite with each other and express "performing arts" in a very special way. The vibrations and emotions that their deep music emit fascinate and overwhelm the hypnotised public.

When: 18 May 2013 Sat 14:25; 19 May Sun 15:25
Where: Shanghai Cultural Plaza