Classical Elegance. Cuban Soul.

Mastery rooted in Cuban heritage

Aires Tropicales Quintet is a Cuban-Dutch ensemble that brings together European classical tradition and the vibrant rhythms of Cuba, Africa, Spain and the Americas.

Founded in 2021, the group is known for its energetic performances by heart, blending improvisation with deep musical connection to redefine the chamber music experience.

They have collaborated with Netflix and Vogue, appeared on major broadcasts such as Podium Klassiek and Mindvalley; and performed at leading festivals and venues including the Concertgebouw, Konzerthaus Vienna, ElbPhilharmonie. They were part of the Ouranos Academy in Paris 2024. Awarded with second prize in the International Chamber Music Competition in Bolzano and second prize in the International Chamber Music Competition of Valencia both in 2022.

For the past two years, ensemble developed new interdisciplinary projects, including a children’s production in collaboration with Oorkaan and Elbphilharmonie Hamburg.

Quintet Artists

Claudia Veloso Álvarez — Flute

Claudia Veloso Álvarez is a Cuban flutist and piccolo player based in the Netherlands. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of the Arts of Cuba and a Master’s degree from Fontys Academy of Fine and Performing Arts in Tilburg. She has performed with orchestras including the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra and Jong Metropole Orkest. As a member of Aires Tropicales Quintet and an active freelance musician, she explores a wide range of musical styles, from classical and contemporary music to Cuban music and jazz.

Maud Busschers — Oboe

Maud Busschers (b. 1996) is a Dutch oboist, multi-instrumentalist and theatre maker. She studied classical oboe at the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague and completed a broadly oriented Master of Music at Fontys Academy of Fine and Performing Arts in Tilburg. She also studied the philosophy of humanity and culture at Leiden University. Drawing on her interests in singing, composition and theatre, she works across musical and theatrical disciplines. Alongside her performance work, she is involved in initiatives that use the arts to foster social connection and inclusion, including Stichting Ensemble ZOEF and Concert Curieus.

Ninián Rodríguez Rego — Clarinet

Ninián Rodríguez Rego is a Cuban clarinetist who graduated with honours from the University of the Arts of Cuba in 2018. She performed with the Havana Lyceum Orchestra, appearing under internationally recognised conductors, and has received awards in national competitions in Cuba. In 2018, she participated in a cultural exchange project in the United States, performing concerts in Minnesota and Chicago with the support of the non-profit organisation CAYO. She later completed her Master’s degree at Fontys Academy of Fine and Performing Arts in Tilburg, where she studied with Eddy Vanoosthuyse. She now performs throughout the Netherlands and Europe as a chamber musician and in other musical projects.

Karla Hernández Reyes — French Horn

Karla Hernández Reyes is a Cuban horn player who began her musical training at a conservatoire in Havana. She has won several competitions and auditions, taken part in international tours and attended masterclasses with renowned horn players, including Sarah Willis, Stefan Dohr, Erik Terwilliger and Nury Guarnaschelli. She moved to the Netherlands to continue her musical studies and completed a Master’s degree in Classical Music at Fontys Academy of Fine and Performing Arts in Tilburg. Alongside her work with Aires Tropicales Quintet, she performs with Dutch orchestras and ensembles, including Philzuid, Metropole Orkest, Radio Philharmonic Orchestra and Club Classique.

Ramón A. Márquez Ramos — Bassoon

Ramón A. Márquez Ramos is a Cuban bassoonist and contrabassoonist who holds a Master’s degree from the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague, where he studied with Bram van Sambeek. His experience spans solo, orchestral and chamber music. He has served as principal bassoonist of the Symphony Orchestra of Las Tunas, performed with the early music ensemble Exsulten and played second bassoon with the Havana Lyceum Orchestra. He was also an academist with the Residentie Orkest, performing under conductors including Leslie Suganandarajah and Jun Märkl. His distinctions include First Prize at the Charleston Romantic Music Competition, and he has participated in international festivals, including the La Grand Gare Festival with the Cuban European Orchestra.

© 2026 Aires Tropicales

airestropicalesquintet@gmail.com