Gustavo Santaolalla

Oscar-winning musician, film composer and producer Gustavo Santaolalla performs music from across his career.

Combining South American Andean folk influences with rock guitar roots, Santaolalla creates sparse yet emotive compositions. Known for his work composing film scores, including Brokeback Mountain and Babel for which he won Best Original Soundtrack Oscars in consecutive years, and the soundtracks for Amores Perros, 21 Grams and Motorcycle Diaries.

He was the founder of groundbreaking electronic tango group Bajofondo and producer for a who’s who of Latin American musicians from Cafe Tacvba and Julieta Venegas to Leon Gieco and Juanes. He’s also in the gaming world, composing the music for The Last of Us, voted Best Video Game in the Golden Joystick Awards 2020. Throughout his 40-year career, he’s eschewed working with large orchestras, favouring small ensembles, and creating textural and spacious soundscapes through minimal instrumentation.

Tagged with: Contemporary music Young Barbican

Produced by the Barbican in association with Como No!

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A portrait of Gustvao Santaolalla and his band

Gustavo Santaolalla

Oumar Saleh sits down with Oscar winning musician, film composer and producer, Gustavo Santaolalla, uncovering his journey from the 60s pop/rock inspired compositions of his youth, to carving a trailblazing career in contemporary Latin music.

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