Sonido de los Andes was formed in Sydney in 1977 when a group of young friends began playing music together after emigrating from Latin America. Inspired by the music of their homeland, they found their musical path through traditional Latin American instruments such as the charango, quena, zampona, bombo and guitar. Led by young Chilean singer/songwriter Oscar Marin, the group established a deep connection with Andean folklore and quickly became an integral part of the Sydney music community.

Over the years, the band expanded its musical boundaries by incorporating other Latin American folkloric instruments and styles, including the Uruguayan Candombe, Venezuelan Joropo, Mexican Ranchera, Cuban Son and Colombian Cumbia. As a product of calling Australia home, the groups musical influences have extended to include non-Latin styles and contemporary instruments. The natural progression of performing and composing together unearthed a new alternative sound, one which led to the renaming of the band as SONIDO.

SONIDO has performed at major festivals, concerts and events in Australia and abroad, and has performed alongside internationally acclaimed acts such as Luis Rico (Bolivia) Victor Valdes (Mexico), Illapu (Chile), Fire Collective (UK) and Mercedes Sosa (Argentina). Featuring more than 40 wind, string and percussion instruments, SONIDO’s compositions and performances having been wowing audiences for nearly 45 years. From the haunting sounds of the Andes to the rich rhythms and melodies of Cuba, Mexico and Venezuela, to pop, rock and jazz sounds, SONIDO’s music is a journey around Latin America and beyond.