The Sarahbanda

The Sarahbanda is a unique Cuban band led by Sarah Willis, a French horn player of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. The group was formed out of Willis’s passion for Cuban music combined with her classical background, particularly through the Mozart y Mambo project, which blends Mozart’s compositions with Cuban rhythms. The band stands out because it incorporates the French horn—a rare instrument in Cuban dance bands—adding a distinctive classical touch to vibrant Cuban styles like salsa, mambo, bolero, and son. Sarah Willis formed The Sarahbanda by inviting some of Cuba’s most talented musicians to create a fresh, exciting sound that merges two rich musical traditions.

Their debut album, also called *Sarahbanda*, captures this joyous fusion, and they have recently released *Cuban Christmas*, an album that infuses holiday classics like "Silent Night" and "Jingle Bells" with the fiery energy of Cuban music. This project showcases reimagined versions of classical pieces by Bach and Tchaikovsky, all with a rhythmic Cuban heartbeat. Playing with The Sarahbanda fulfills Sarah's long-held dream of participating in Cuban band culture, and the band has become more than just a collaboration—they describe themselves as a family united by their love of blending classical music with authentic Cuban sounds.

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