Orquesta Charangoa
A traditional Cuban orchestra born in L.A.
How does an 80-year old Cuban living in Havana give birth to an orchestra in Los Angeles, California?
The story begins when founder and professional flutist, Fay Roberts travels to Cuba to study flute with the legendary Richard Egues of Orquesta Aragon fame. Egues, an innovative virtuoso of the Cuban flute style, was also the composer of Cuba’s most popular cha cha cha, El Bodeguero.
After a period of intense study, Fay returned home brimming with inspiration and with a suitcase full of music. The two continued to correspond on a regular basis and Egues encouraged Fay to share the music and extend the legacy. The end result: the creation of L.A’s authentic Cuban music group, Orquesta Charangoa!
For over 15 years, Orquesta Charangoa has been a thriving force in Los Angeles’ vibrant Latin Music scene. What sets them apart from the rest? Authentic Cuban music in the Charanga style. Charangoa stays true to the tradition featuring flute, violins, piano, double bass, timbales, congas and güiro.
Since 1997 Orquesta Charangoa has performed in L.A’s top venues. Audiences and critics alike raved after their performances at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, the Palladium, the Palace & the Conga Room. They have opened for Cuba’s most famous band, Los Van Van and have shared the stage with such luminaries as Israel Lopez Cachao and Nestor Torres.
Television appearances include KCET’s Holiday Celebration and KTTV’s Good Day L.A.
Orquesta Charangoa has also performed in many festivals, including the Watts Towers Jazz Festival, The L.A. Salsa Festival, the L.A. Cuban Festival, the Oxnard Salsa Festival, African Marketplace, Grand Performances & Dance Downtown at the Music Center.
