Los Tres Reyes, currently comprised of brothers Gilberto and Raul Puente as well as Roberto Pérez López, began recording in 1957, and made innumerable contributions to the development of Spanish romantic music during the 1950s and 1960s. Icons of this genre, they have recorded over 18 albums, which became international hits and earned Golden Record status for sales of 10 million copies. Gilberto Puente is considered by music critics to be the best requinto guitar player in the world.
This concert is the first in a new series presented in partnership with the New Mexico Guitar Society and Albuquerque’s world-famous Pimentel & Sons Guitarmakers, established in 1951. For over half a century, Pimentel guitars have been praised for their tone, playability, and construction, and Pimentel’s New Mexico Sunrise was inaugurated as the official state guitar in 2009. The concert by Los Tres Reyes is presented in honor of the late Lorenzo Pimentel, Grand Master Guitarmaker; the series will continue to feature the artistry of master guitarists.
The National Hispanic Cultural Center, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, is dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Hispanic art and culture at the local, state, national, and international levels.