MOPERC in Broadway

MOPERC Drums take center stage in the new Broadway Buena Vista Social Club Musical

A 20-year friendship, a deep love for music, and an unwavering commitment to the art form have culminated in an extraordinary moment for MOPERC. Today, MOPERC is honored to be the official percussion provider for the new Broadway production of Buena Vista Social Club, a show that celebrates the magic and soul of the Grammy-winning album that has sold over 8 million copies and is considered one of the best-selling tropical music projects of all time worldwide. Set at the iconic Schoenfeld Theatre, this production brings the unforgettable rhythms and melodies of Buena Vista Social Club to life on the Broadway stage, creating a unique experience that honors the rich legacy of Afro-Cuban music.

A friendship that started in Cuba

My name is Francis Mercier, and I'm the proud owner of MOPERC, a company that has been synonymous with high-quality percussion instruments for more than 30 years. But it’s not just business that ties me to this momentous occasion; it’s a deep personal connection with one of the most influential figures in Afro-Cuban music, Juan de Marcos González.

I first met Juan back in 2005, while I was just starting to find my path in the world of percussion. At the time, I was thrilled to be assisting with rehearsals of the Afro-Cuban All Stars at Juan’s house and at the legendary EGREM studios in Cuba. Those experiences were the beginnings of something that would eventually become a lifelong friendship.

Two decades later, I find myself in New York City with Juan de Marcos, watching with pride as MOPERC drums take center stage in the Buena Vista Social Club musical on Broadway. It's a surreal moment that feels like the culmination of years of dedication, collaboration, and mutual respect for the music that has brought us together.

Why this partnership makes sense

So, why has MOPERC been chosen as the official percussion provider for the Broadway Buena Vista Social Club? The answer lies in both the legacy of the Buena Vista Social Club and the growing reputation of MOPERC in the world of percussion. Over the years, MOPERC has worked with top musicians and institutions, providing custom percussion instruments that deliver both sound quality and visual appeal.

Juan de Marcos, the visionary behind the original Buena Vista Social Club and the driving force behind its continued legacy, has always believed in preserving the authenticity of Cuban music while ensuring that its cultural richness resonates with global audiences. MOPERC shares this vision. The connection is more than just professional; it’s personal.

Juan de Marcos has been a long-time user of MOPERC drums with his band Afro Cuban All Stars, and he’s always been vocal about his admiration for their sound. He says, “MOPERC drums are the best in the world. The craftsmanship, the sound—they capture the essence of Cuban music in a way no other drums can.”

When it came time to bring the Buena Vista Social Club musical to Broadway, there was no question about the kind of percussion instruments needed. The drums and percussion had to be not only functional but a true reflection of the soul of Cuban music. MOPERC’s hand drums, known for their impeccable craftsmanship and authentic sound, were the perfect choice. This partnership was a natural evolution of a 20-year friendship and shared passion for preserving the heartbeat of Cuban music.

Transforming the set: How MOPERC drums changed the look of the show

Photo by Matthew Murphy

The Buena Vista Social Club musical isn’t just about the sound—it’s about capturing the essence of Cuba’s vibrant culture. The drums and percussion instruments that MOPERC provides have significantly impacted the visual presentation of the show. The set, which was already visually stunning, has been enhanced by the addition of these beautiful, handcrafted instruments. The drums are placed strategically around the stage, not just for sound, but for their striking visual appeal. The vibrant colors, intricate shapes, and cultural symbolism embedded in each drum add a layer of authenticity to the production’s aesthetic.

This production aims to immerse the audience not just in the sound of Cuba, but in its colors and history. The deep red color chosen for the drums symbolizes the heart and passion of Cuban culture, which is both bold and timeless. The drums aren’t just instruments; they are visual storytellers, adding texture and energy to the show in a way that complements the music

This wasn’t just about having the right instruments; it was about making the percussion an integral part of the visual narrative of the show. The drums aren’t mere props—they’re characters in their own right, telling the story of Cuba’s rich musical history through their presence on stage. For the audience, it’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the ears.

Enhancing the sound: The heartbeat of the show

Of course, the true magic lies in the sound. The rhythm of Cuban music is its heartbeat, and MOPERC’s hand drums help bring that heartbeat to life on Broadway. Our drums are designed not only to withstand the physical demands of live performances but also to produce the rich, warm tones that are essential to Afro-Cuban music.

The percussion in the Buena Vista Social Club musical is more than just background music; it’s the driving force that moves the show forward. With MOPERC drums, the audience is transported to the streets of Cuba, where the sounds of congas, bongos, and other traditional instruments fill the air, weaving a rich tapestry of rhythm that enhances the storytelling. The drums’ depth, clarity, and resonance help bring the music to life, making each performance a unique experience for every audience member.

As part of the show's commitment to authenticity, the decision to use wood timbales—rather than the more commonly used metal timbales—was an essential one. Wood timbales provide a warmer, more resonant sound that complements the show's deep connection to Cuban musical traditions. The rich, earthy tones of the wood timbales blend seamlessly with the rest of the percussion section, capturing the true essence of the music in a way that metal timbales simply cannot.

As a drum maker, it’s crucial to create a sound that resonates deeply with the audience. The percussion instruments, especially the hand drums from MOPERC, provide a visceral foundation that anchors the show. The richness and texture of these drums are key to capturing the essence of Cuban music, and they truly enhance the emotional intensity of each scene. The wood timbales, in particular, bring a level of warmth that really resonates with the soul of the show, offering a more authentic cascara sound than metal timbales could.

As the musical moves forward, the MOPERC drums play a crucial role in ensuring that the authentic rhythms of Cuban music are felt as much as they are heard. This soundscape is not just about hitting the right notes—it’s about evoking the spirit of Cuba, the emotion behind each beat, and the history that these instruments carry.

The musicians' joy: A sound that resonates 

Photo by Matthew Murphy

Of course, a better instrument will provide a better experience to the musician who plays it. The same goes for the rest of the band, who absolutely love the traditional sound produced by the MOPERC bongos, congas, and timbales. They find the sound far more authentic and rich than the other drums they had been using in rehearsals.

The musicians add, “It’s a total difference. MOPERC drums blend much better in the mix, and now everybody feels comfortable. The sound is much more in sync with what we’re trying to achieve.”

Long-time MOPERC drum user and tres player Renesito Avich also shares his thoughts: “It reminds me of the sounds I grew up with in Santiago de Cuba. There’s something about the warmth and depth of the MOPERC drums that takes me back home. It’s the real deal.”

Every musician on stage can feel the difference. The improved sound and connection with the instruments make their performances more effortless and authentic, bringing out the true essence of Cuban music. Whether it’s the congas, bongos, or timbales, the MOPERC drums are helping create the perfect rhythm section, and that’s something every musician on stage can appreciate.

A Milestone in a lifelong journey

Looking back on the 20 years since I first met Juan de Marcos, I could never have predicted where this journey would take me. From assisting in rehearsals at EGREM studios to watching MOPERC drums light up the stage of the Broadway musical Buena Vista Social Club, it's been a wild ride. But what remains constant is my passion for percussion and my dedication to bringing the best of Afro-Cuban hand drums to the world.

Powerful drums provide an electrifying rhythm to an astonishing show, set in the heart of a legendary theatre that resonates with rich history and timeless grandeur.

The fusion of powerful beats and mesmerizing performances captivates the audience, creating an unforgettable experience that blends music, tradition, and sheer artistry. This partnership with the Buena Vista Social Club musical isn’t just a career milestone for me—it’s the fulfillment of a dream. To see MOPERC drums on stage at the heart of such an iconic production is an honor I’ll never take for granted.

Here’s to another 20 years of music, friendship, and rhythm.

By Francis Mercier, owner of MOPERC

Learn more about this show; https://buenavistamusical.com/