[1] The Ensamble Gurrufío was founded on 1984 by three young musicians, Luis Julio Toro (flute), Cristóbal Soto (mandolin), and Cheo Hurtado (cuatro).

[2] A fifth member, Juan Ernesto Laya (maracas), joined the ensemble since 1998, when Cristóbal Soto moved to a permanent residence in France.

The ensemble has performed in collaboration with other Venezuelan groups, such as Serenata Guayanesa, the Camerata Criolla, and the Grand Marshal of Ayacucho Symphony Orchestra.

[4] Their live performances and recordings are characterized by the addition of long-forgotten pieces, rescued through research and interaction with other scholars experienced in Venezuelan music.

[2][3][5] Music critic Alex Ross, then working for The New York Times, attended Ensamble Gurrufío's performance at Carnegie Hall in 1994, stating that the group "illustrated the merengue, the joropo, the vals and other Venezuelan dances" and described their work as "complex pieces" that were "embroidered ... with deft improvisational touches".