THE SATURDAY PROFILE
The Drummer Who Reminds People That ‘You Can Play Music as You Like’
Miguel Tomasín, one of the few professional musicians with Down syndrome, has brought attention to the artistic visions of people with developmental disabilities.
Over a 30-year career, Miguel Tomasín has released more than 100 albums, helped turn his Argentine band into one of South America’s most influential underground acts, and helped hundreds of people with disabilities express their voices through music. Mr. Tomasín has achieved this in part because of a distinctive artistic vision that comes, his family, fellow musicians and friends said, from having been born with Down syndrome. His story, they say, shows how art can help someone overcome social barriers, and what can happen with an effort to elevate a person’s talents, rather than focusing on their limitations.
Text by Anatoly Kurmanaev in THE NEW YORK TIMES
Portrait of Miguel Tomasin after Reynols' live show at the Cultural Center Nestor Kirchner during the RUIDO festival, of experimental music. In Buenos Aires, Argentina on Friday 9 of September 2022. Reynols is an experimental rock band from Argentina formed in 1993.Today, the band is led by the drummer, Miguel Tomasín, a musician with Down syndrome. Anita Pouchard Serra for The New York Times In Buenos Aires, Argentina on Friday 9 of September 2022. Reynols is an experimental rock band from Argentina formed in 1993.Today, the band is led by the drummer, Miguel Tomasín, a musician with Down syndrome.
Miguel Tomasin plays guitar and sings during Reynols' live show at the Cultural Center Nestor Kirchner during the RUIDO festival, of experimental music. In Buenos Aires, Argentina on Friday 9 of September 2022. Reynols is an experimental rock band from Argentina formed in 1993.Today, the band is led by the drummer, Miguel Tomasín, a musician with Down syndrome. Anita Pouchard Serra for The New York Times
Miguel Tomasin plays guitar and sings during Reynols' live show at the Cultural Center Nestor Kirchner during the RUIDO festival, of experimental music. In Buenos Aires, Argentina on Friday 9 of September 2022. Reynols is an experimental rock band from Argentina formed in 1993.Today, the band is led by the drummer, Miguel Tomasín, a musician with Down syndrome.
Patricio Conlazo ( right) helps Miguel Tomasin (left) after the rehearsal of they concert at the RUIDO festival, of experimental music in the Cultural Center Nestor Kirchner,In Buenos Aires, Argentina on Friday 9 of September 2022. Reynols is an experimental rock band from Argentina formed in 1993.Today, the band is led by the drummer, Miguel Tomasín, a musician with Down syndrome.
Alan Courtis, Roberto Conlazo(back) Miguel Tomasin ( middle), Patricio Conlazo(front) pose for a portrait in their dressing room before their concert at the RUIDO festival, of experimental music in the Cultural Center Nestor Kirchner,In Buenos Aires, Argentina on Friday 9 of September 2022. Reynols is an experimental rock band from Argentina formed in 1993.Today, the band is led by the drummer, Miguel Tomasín, a musician with Down syndrome.
Juan Mario Tomasín, Miguel Tomasín's brother, and his wife watch and listen to the music that Miguel Tomasín is playing on the piano. October 30, 2022 in Rio Gallegos, Santa Cruz, Argentina. Miguel Tomasin is a drummer with down syndrome, member of the Argentinean experimental rock band Reynols.
Miguel Tomasín poses for a portrait in his bedroom, in his brother's family home.This is the former room of his nephews, who are now independent. October 30, 2022 in Rio Gallegos, Santa Cruz, Argentina. Miguel Tomasin is a drummer with down syndrome, member of the Argentinean experimental rock band Reynols.
Miguel Tomasín and his brother Juan Mario Tomasín pose for a portrait with a dog from the neighborhood they know on the banks of the Rio Gallegos River. October 30, 2022 in Rio Gallegos, Santa Cruz, Argentina. Miguel Tomasin is a drummer with down syndrome, member of the Argentinean experimental rock band Reynols.
Miguel Tomasín in the bus of the Day Center René Vargas, APPADI that picks up the participants of the workshops every afternoon. November 1, 2022 in Rio Gallegos, Santa Cruz, Argentina. Miguel Tomasin is a drummer with down syndrome, member of the Argentinean experimental rock band Reynols.
