05:00 pm
Carlos Gutiérrez Quiroga Multi-instrumentalist
Romina Quisbert Maldonado Multi-instrumentalist
Tatiana López Churata Multi-instrumentalist
Ethan Olmos Cuiza Multi-instrumentalist
A concert that brings the Andes to life in sound! The ensemble name is programmatic: the four young musicians play with tradition and modernism - literally. They transform the gentle and impressive sonic worlds of the South American highlands into music, using native Bolivian instruments, such as sikus, tarkas and pinkillus (variants of panpipes, flutes and recorders), inviting you to an unforgettable sonic journey.
The ensemble will showcase a repertoire that blends contemporary compositions with traditional indigenous sounds, creating a bridge between ancient collective memories and their reimagining in today's world. These instruments, deeply rooted in Andean traditions, will be used to craft innovative soundscapes that reflect both the past and the present. Alongside these new creations, Dos Pares de la OEIN will also present traditional melodies, offering the audience a glimpse into the enduring musical practices of Bolivia's indigenous communities.
Experimentation and the rich sonic diversity of Bolivia’s indigenous musical tradition are at the core of the work of the Orquesta Experimental de Instrumentos Nativos (OEIN, or Experimental Orchestra of Native Instruments). It is a groundbreaking musical ensemble based in La Paz, the Andean capital of Bolivia, and has appeared several times in Germany and Berlin, e.g. at the Berliner Festspiele and at the Humboldt Forum, during the 45 years of its history. The OEIN is not just a musical group; it is a cultural and social project that seeks to reclaim and celebrate Bolivia's indigenous heritage, regularly collaborating with indigenous musicians, composers, and artists. The orchestra brings a unique approach to their concerts incorporating elements of ritual, movement, and visual art, thereby transforming each performance into a multisensory experience that engages the audience on multiple levels. Dos Pares de la OEIN (Two Pairs of the OEIN) is a selection of four musicians that will present a novel programme specifically designed for the group.
Carlos Gutiérrez Quiroga is a composer, performer, archivist and researcher based in La Paz, Bolivia. His musical work is influenced by the indigenous music of the Bolivian Highlands and has been extended to the creation of instruments and sound objects. Moreover, through public interventions and installations, he explores Andean tuning systems, spatialization of sound over very long distances, aural illusions, decentralized structures and connections between composition and archival research, orality and experimental writing. In his practice, Gutiérrez uses media archaeology to uncover power dynamics in information creation across different technological eras. Old media artifacts connect the past and present, influencing collective memory.
Romina Quisbert Maldonado (b. 2000) is a multi-instrumentalist specializing in indigenous aerophones of the Andean Altiplano. As a member of the Orquesta Experimental de Instrumentos Nativos (OEIN), she merges traditional expressions with innovative contemporary approaches. Her artistry extends beyond performance, encompassing a deep commitment to cultural preservation and creative exploration. Aged only 24, she has graced some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including performances at the UNESCO Auditorium in Paris, Stadtcasino in Basel, and the Venice Biennial 2024.
Tatiana López Churata (b. 1992) is an interdisciplinary artist from La Paz, Bolivia, who studied visual arts. She explores the intersections of sound, visual art, and performance, deeply rooted in Andean collective memory. A graduate in Visual Arts, her practice challenges colonial narratives in music and art. Her work spans ceramics, drawing, sound installations, and costume design, forging connections between the body, nature, and ancestral heritage. Indigenous forms of knowledge and learning, sometimes very different from western ones, are often in the foreground. As a member of the Orquesta Experimental de Instrumentos Nativos (OEIN), she reimagines Andean sonorities using traditional and extended techniques. She performs regularly at different international festivals.
Ethan Olmos Cuiza (b. 2000) is a musician playing several traditional instruments of Bolivia, as is typical in Bolivian musical culture. As a member of the Orquesta Experimental de Instrumentos Nativos (OEIN), he dedicates his work to preserve and reimagine the ancestral sounds of the Andes, blending traditional techniques with contemporary production. His collaborations spans music, theater, and film, showcasing a deep connection to his cultural roots and an innovative approach to storytelling through sound. Ethan Olmos Cuiza has performed on national and international stages, bringing the rich sonic heritage of the Altiplano to audiences across Latin America and Europe.