About us
A BRIEF OVERVIEW
Alqántara Latina emerges as a captivating endeavor, sprouting from the vibrant confines of Bogotá, Colombia. Its very core is rooted in the profound aspiration to erect a symbolic bridge between the essence of Latin spirit and the melodious echoes that permeate the expansive realm of the Arab world. Endowed with a refined discernment of the historical, stylistic, and aesthetic intricacies that unfold within each explored terrain, this collective of Colombian artists, bearing the gift of Arabic musical training, has enraptured audiences of diverse backgrounds.
Since its formation in 2014, Alqántara Latina has woven a sonic tapestry that has enriched the national music scene. Its presence has been resplendent in prestigious music festivals throughout the country, as well as in embassies, Arabic dance academies, and hallowed havens of literature, such as libraries Virgilio Barco (BOG) and Darío Echandía (IBG). Alqántara latina also conquered the theatrical stages of Teatro ECCI, Teatro Tecal, La Media Torta (BOG), Teatro Telepacífico (CAL) and the majestic Teatro Jorge Eliécer Gaitán (BOG), as well as the universities El Bosque, Politécnico Grancolombiano and Universidad Nacional de Colombia. They have even left their mark in the revered spaces of the National Museum of Colombia and the Chicó Museum, and even at the Congress of the Republic.
The accomplishments of Alqántara Latina have been enthusiastically acknowledged, granting them the privilege of being chosen for IDARTES' contest: Sounds of the World thematic concert series, owing to their remarkable rendition of Arabic music in Colombia. Moreover, they have been granted diverse funding and opportunities associated with the exhilarating endeavor of bringing these pioneering repertoires to life, resonating vividly within the hearts of their audience.
The performances of this ensemble have been truly triumphant, captivating audiences in Bogotá, Zipaquirá, Medellín, Cali, Ibagué, Villa de Leyva, and Barranquilla. They have collaborated with renowned groups such as La Etnnia, been featured in Netflix series like La Reina del Sur, and participated in numerous musical collaborations. Countless curious individuals have gathered, drawn by the richness of the organology and the captivating classical Arabic repertoire that this group of lovers of the sounds of the great Arabia and North Africa brings with them.
We are...
Óscar B. Santos
Oud, qanun, bağlama, accordion
Sociologist and specialist in peace culture and International Humanitarian Law. Founder and director of the Alqántara Latina project, with over 15 years of experience in Colombian Arabic music. Trained in Egypt and continuously exploring the depths of this rich and captivating aesthetic and sonic realm.
César Ortiz
Darbuka, tar, riq
Co-founder of the Alqántara Latina Ensemble, who once again graced us with their music and knowledge.
He pursued musical studies at the School of Music of the Youth Symphony Orchestra of Colombia. He has attended percussion workshops by the Bogotá Philharmonic Orchestra and served as the principal percussionist of the National Police Symphonic Band of Colombia (1996-2005). He is a non-uniformed police musician and currently responsible for musical groups in the Auxiliares Bachilleres MEBOG area (2006-present).
In terms of performance, he has been a percussionist in the Colombian music ensemble "Bochica" (2004-2010) and served as the principal percussionist of the Philharmonic Symphonic Band (2009-2012). He has also played second percussion in the zarzuela seasons of 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2013, showcasing his talent and versatility.
Daniel Ramírez
Clarinet, saxophone, nay
Born in Guamo Tolima, he began his musical studies at the Casa de la Cultura del Municipio, where he explored and performed traditional music from various religious traditions in the country.
He embarked on his clarinet studies under the guidance of Maestro Wilmar Valderrama, and later continued with Maestro Mauricio Murcia at the Superior Academy of Arts (ASAB). He has also received masterclasses from renowned clarinetists such as Alejandro Sánchez, Julio Panadero, Edgar López, Ranieri Chacón, among others.
As a clarinetist, he has been a member of the Colombian Youth Symphony Orchestra, the Tolima Departmental Symphonic Band, the Metropolitan Symphonic Band of Bogotá, and currently performs with the Bi-National Symphony Orchestra (Colombia-Venezuela). He has proudly represented Colombia in countries such as Germany, Italy, Greece, Mexico, Peru, and Ecuador, showcasing his talent on an international stage.
Danilo Rico
Cello, guitar, bass guitar
He began his musical training at the Batuta Foundation. He graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Music from the National Pedagogical University in 2008 and obtained a Master's degree in Education from the Pontifical Javeriana University in 2016. Currently, he works as a high school music teacher at José María Vargas Vila School, where he primarily focuses on nurturing a chamber music ensemble. He has a particular interest in music theory and its intersection with other disciplines.