The Estudiantina Ensemble plays in the tradition of Estudiantina music from Cuba (musical groups consisting of students), inspired by the only original band, Estudiantina Invasora, founded in 1927 in Santiago de Cuba, which still exists today. At the heart of their music is the Danzón clave, and in the 8-piece band, a special instrument known as the “Pailitas” is used, also referred to as the baroque timpani. These are two small kettledrums of French origin that came from Haiti and are the predecessors of the well-known modern timbales commonly used in many Salsa bands. While Salsa and modern Timba are played fast and forward, this Danzón/Son tradition is more relaxed, playing behind the beat rather than ahead. It is truly the roots of traditional Cuban music, featuring Guarachas, Boleros, Danzones, and Bolero-Son.

The Estudiantina Ensemble was founded by Ricardo Bekema (a musician with Surinamese roots) with the aim of preserving these authentic Cuban traditional music styles from Oriente de Cuba. After years of studying in Santiago de Cuba and surrounding areas under teachers such as Gabino Jardines Cisneros, Eva de la Caridad Griñan, Inaudis Paisán Mallet, Roberto Nápoles Castillo, Rey Cabrera Castellano, and Arístides Torres, Ricardo has become an expert in Trova music. In 2007, the ensemble received an official invitation from the Cuban Ministry of Culture, “Centro de la Musica Provincial,” and a personally signed invitation from none other than Eliades Ochoa Bustamante (Buena Vista Social Club) to perform at the 45th edition of the prestigious “International Festival de la Trova,” “Pepe Sánchez.” This led to the Estudiantina Ensemble performing on legendary stages like Casa de la Trova, Plaza de Martí, and Casa de la Musica, for the cameras of Cuban national television and an ecstatic Cuban audience. Over the years, significant developments have taken place in the ensemble’s 23-year history. The Estudiantina Ensemble has gained international recognition and now delivers lectures, workshops, and concerts in theaters and festivals worldwide. Today’s lineup includes highly talented and experienced musicians who contribute passionately to the preservation of this beautiful music. “Muchisimas gracias maestros… Para la Casa de la Trova… El final no llegara…!!” – Ricardo “Arístides” Bekema.

Estudiantina Ensemble:

• Ricardo “Arístides” Bekema – director, guitar, lead vocals
• Eric “Derecho de Nacer” Wijngaarde – percussion minor, lead vocals
• Carlos “Calucho” Eduardo Filomeno Francinet – percussion minor, lead vocals
• Heiko Ebner – trumpet
• Gerardo Rosales Rondon – timpani (pailas criollas)
• Leo “Pantaléon” Martis – tres (second)
• Ernesto Paz Rivero – double bass
• Jan “The Guru” Boers – tres (first)