WILLEMSTAD - This Friday, November 1, the Estudiantina Ensemble will perform a special concert at the Cathedral of Thorns in Curaçao. Led by Ricardo Bekema, this renowned group brings the rhythms of traditional Cuban music to life with styles such as danzón, son, guaracha, and bolero. The Curaçao concert is one of the final stops on their tour, which previously covered Europe and is now being supported by the Dutch Fund for the Performing Arts with performances across Suriname, Curaçao, and Colombia.
The Estudiantina tradition, with nearly a century-old history, began as a musical movement among Cuban music students and has deep roots in the traditional sounds of Oriente de Cuba. Bekema, who has extensively studied Cuban music, aims to preserve and promote these styles globally, sharing his expertise and love for this music through concerts, lectures, and workshops.
The ensemble’s Curaçao performance will take place at the Cathedral of Thorns under the theme Cathedral of Thorns by Night. The group is comprised of talented musicians including Ricardo Bekema (guitar and vocals), Eric Wijngaarde (percussion and vocals), Carlos Francinet (percussion and vocals), Heiko Ebner (trumpet), Gerardo Rosales Rondon (timpani – pailas criollas), Leo Martis (tres), Ernesto Paz Rivero (bass), Randy Winterdal (bass), and Jan Boers (tres). Together, they play an important role in preserving and internationally promoting these unique Cuban music styles.