Summer Concert Series: Alex Torres & His Latin Orchestra

Alex Torres & His Latin Orchestra

Formed October 1980 in Amsterdam, NY, this 12-piece orchestra is led by the Bronx-born bassist Alex Torres.

They have been presented by hundreds of festivals, performing arts centers, and events, performing an original blend of Afro-Caribbean rhythms such as Salsa, Merengue, Cha-cha, Bomba, Plena and Latin Jazz.

The Orchestra has been the recipient of numerous awards including the New England Cultural Arts Preservation Award, the New York State Music Achievement Award, the Schenectady League of Arts Award, The Governor’s Excellence in Arts Award, The NAACP Albany Chapter Award, 4 Eddies Awards, HERO 2026 Award and 3 awards from NY Capital District Original Music Awards in 2016.

Alex Torres & His Latin Orchestra have performed for President Bill and Hillary Clinton at the New York State Democratic Convention and also for New York Governor’s George Pataki and Eliot Spitzer’s Inauguration. They have shared the stage and billings with such major acts as Tito Puente, Tito Puente Jr., Eddie Palmieri, Andy Montañez, Los Hermanos Moreno, Arturo Sandoval, Luis “Perico” Ortiz, Ray Barretto, Jane Burnette & The Spirits Of Havana, Larry Harlow, Jose Alberto “El Canario,” Brenda K. Starr, Tito Nieves, Jerry Gónzalez & The Fort Apache Band, King Changó, Arrested Development, Branford Marsalis, The Count Basie and Woody Herman Orchestras.

The group is also registered with the Arts-In-Education Program of New York State. This program brings the orchestra into schools to showcase cultural diversity and explain the music, instruments and rhythms associated with their music.

Band members:
- Alex Torres – band leader, bass, vocals
- Abe Sanchez – Piano
- Robert Lopez – Tres, vocals
- Wilo Rodriguez – lead vocalist
- Manuel (Tony) Garcia – congas
- Angel Dueño – timbales, guira, vocals
- Miguel Santiago – bongo, tambora, vocals
- Jon Bronk – lead trumpet
- Terry Gordon – trumpet
- Zachary DiMeglio – saxophones