how it all began

For two years, Cuban composer and pianist Aruán Ortiz immersed himself in research into melodies of Moorish origin that migrated to colonial Cuba via Spain between the 17th and 18th centuries—melodies that transformed into popular songs and became a vital thread in Cuban musical syncretism. What would happen, he wondered, if those threads were followed all the way back to their roots?

In 2021, commissioned by the Flamenco Biennale Netherlands, Aruán brought together an ensemble of eleven musicians, dancers, and singers from Cuban, Spanish, Middle Eastern, and North African traditions to find out. Their debut performance at the Flamenco Biënnale Nederland 2021 was met with a full house and a standing ovation.

The group went on to perform in seven Dutch and Belgian cities during the festival tour, and has since taken the stage at Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ in Amsterdam, Flagey in Brussels, De Roma Theater in Antwerp, Music Center De Bijloke in Ghent, Muziekgebouw Frits Philips in Eindhoven, Teatro Municipale Valli at Festival Aperto 2024 in Reggio Emilia, and the Torino Jazz Festival 2025.