In Concert

RITMO! DANZÓN - The Music of 19th-Century Cuba and Beyond

Featuring Maestro Bobby Ramírez, Flute Soloist
with Symphony String Orchestra

Concept Overview

“Ritmo! Danzón” is a concert celebration of Cuba’s elegant and soulful musical heritage—where European classical traditions met Afro-Cuban rhythms to create one of Latin America’s most refined art forms. This performance, led by internationally acclaimed Cuban-American flutist Maestro Bobby Ramírez, explores the genealogy of the danzón, tracing its roots from early contradanzas and habaneras of the 19th century to the modern orchestral danzón.

Through a program of historically significant works and newly arranged orchestral transcriptions, the concert illuminates the evolution of Cuban salon music, from the piano of Miguel Faílde—credited with composing the first danzón—through the lyrical dances of Ignacio Cervantes, and the passionate romanticism of José White and Saumell.

The performance combines authenticity, scholarship, and expressive artistry to bring to life the sounds of a vibrant cultural era where Havana rivaled Paris as a center of musical sophistication.

Featured Soloist

Maestro Bobby Ramirez is a world-renowned Cuban-American flutist, saxophonist, composer, arranger, and author whose remarkable career spans over four decades. A virtuoso performer celebrated for his passionate artistry and soulful interpretations, Ramirez blends the fiery spirit of Afro-Cuban rhythms with the improvisational depth of jazz, creating a sound that is both deeply rooted in tradition and uniquely his own. Whether performing on the concert stage or leading cultural workshops, his musical voice resonates with authenticity and creative brilliance.

Beyond the stage, Maestro Ramirez is a dedicated educator and prolific author of instrumental method books and music education materials. As founder and president of Jazzonian—Jazz Museum of Florida—he champions music literacy and cultural heritage, bringing jazz history and improvisation into schools, community centers, and festivals. Through his publishing imprint, Maestro Ramirez Publishing, he has released numerous instructional resources designed to inspire and equip musicians of all levels. Learn more about his work and offerings at www.MaestroBobbyRamirez.com.

Instrumentation

• Flute soloist

• String orchestra (6-5-4-3-2 or full symphonic complement)

• Optional piano, bass guitar and percussion (for selected works)
  

Concert Program

SET I — The Roots of the Danzón

1. Miguel Saumell Robredo (1818–1870) – Contradanzas Cubanas (selection)

   • “La Tedezco”

   • “La Amistad”

   • “El Pañuelo”

2. Sebastián Iradier (1809–1865) – La Paloma (Habanera)

3. Ignacio Cervantes (1847–1905) – Danzas Cubanas (selections)

   • “Adiós a Cuba”

   • “Los Tres Golpes”

   • “Ilusiones Perdidas”

4. José White (1836–1918) – La Bella Cubana

5. Miguel Faílde (1852–1921) – Las Alturas de Simpson (The first danzón, 1879)

— Intermission —

SET II — Danzón and Its Legacy

1. Antonio María Romeu (1876–1955) – El Cadete Constitucional

2. Aniceto Díaz (1887–1964) – Nuevo Ritmo (Danzonete)

3. Arturo Márquez (b. 1950) – Danzón No. 2

4. Maestro Bobby Ramírez (b. Santa Clara) – Ritmo del Alma (World Premiere)

   • Original composition honoring the Cuban flute tradition and the evolution of danzón into modern Latin jazz.

5. Ensemble Encore: La Reinita de Ritmo! Danzon (original composition by Maestro Bobby Ramirez)
   

Total Duration

Approx. 90 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission

Technical & Stage Requirements

• Minimum stage size: 40’ wide x 25’ deep

• Standard orchestral shell or acoustic risers

• 1 wireless lavalier microphone for narration (optional)

• Adequate lighting for soloist and ensemble
  

Marketing & Educational Components

• Pre-concert talk: “The Genealogy of the Danzón” with Maestro Ramírez

• Optional masterclass: “The Cuban Flute Tradition and Orchestral Danzón”

• Educational study guide for schools and community outreach
  

Contact & Booking

Maestro Bobby Ramírez
Email: info@maestrobobbyramirez.com
Website: maestrobobbyramirez.com
Presented by: Instituto Folklórico Cubano Americano

Get in Touch

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Contact

info@maestrobobbyramirez.com

Artistic Services Offered

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Live Performances Available

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Music Education Services

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Custom Compositions and Arrangements

Unique compositions and arrangements crafted by Maestro Bobby Ramirez for various musical projects.