Spawned by Berlin Philharmonic hornist Sarah Willis' popular "Mozart y Mambo" recordings, the chamber ensemble The Sarahbanda offers further explorations of Cuban dance rhythms in a Cuban context influenced by classical music. The ensemble still includes Willis on the French horn, joining forces with a sextet of leading Cuban musicians. The Sarahbanda's repertory combines popular Cuban melodies with original compositions by members of the ensemble. The Sarahbanda released its self-titled debut album on the Alpha label in 2024.
The genesis of The Sarahbanda lay in the work of ...