Orquesta Aragón in Bogotá

Orquesta Aragón is a Cuban charanga orchestra founded in Cienfuegos in 1939 by bassist Orestes Aragón. Its flute-and-violin arrangements span danzón, son and cha-cha-cha, and the group is known for songs including “El bodeguero,” “Pare cochero” and “Los tamalitos de Olga.” In the 1950s, Orquesta Aragón performed regularly on Radio Progreso in Havana, bringing its dance repertoire to listeners across the country. Later international tours presented the orchestra’s flute, violins, piano, bass, percussion and vocals in theatres and at festivals, including appearances in Paris and New York.