Soneros Del Valle: Biography
Leonel Oliva González (1984) - Trumpet
Leonel studied trumpet, in the Provincial Center of Development for the Culture of Sancti Spiritus, where he graduated the elementary level in 2005. As a musician in other artistic formations, he gained a lot of experience in diverse rhythms. The Cuban Music Institute granted Leonel the status of professional musician. He has played first trumpet in "Mariachi Los Halcones", a Mexican music group and in the "Sonora Trinitaria" Orchestra. Although Leonel is still a very young musician, his talent, tone and total mastery of his instrument provide this band with a true Cuban sound.
Ernesto Fernández Pérez “Puntilla” (1967) - Tres and Vocal
Although he is self-taught, Puntilla has an extensive artistic career. He has played with several groups, such as Quinteto Caburní, Sexteto Montimar, Cuarteto Owere and "Rafael Saroza" Band. His outstanding musical excellence has been enjoyed not only by the Cuban audience but also by audiences abroad in Colombia, Dominican Republic and Canada. Puntilla commands several instruments and was granted the highest level of musical achievement by The Cuban Music Institute. He is the musical director of the band and responsible for the musical arrangements of the songs.
Ibrahim Turiño Vivas (1957) - Guitar and Vocal
Ibrahim was born in a country town of the Escambray Mountains in central Cuba.
As a small child Ibrahim joined the Amateur Movement of Arts and won several prices in those early years. He took part in the fourth National Encounter of Troubadours and he was a member of the artistic delegation for the sixth World Festival of Youth and Students. In 2003, He graduated the elementary level on three instruments, guitar, bass and voice. The Cuban Music Institute has awarded him with the status of professional musician. The smoothness of his deep warm voice provides the band with a special sound
Carlos Béquer Durán “Boefje” (1954) - Minor Percussion and Vocal
For almost all his life, art and music was his passion. Guided by this passion he studied music and he graduated the elementary music level in voice and minor percussion. In 2003 Carlos made a tour through Denmark with some members of Soneros del Valle. Since then he has been the general director of the band. Carlos’ voice is a remembrance of the great jewels of Cuban traditional music.
Alexis González Santos “El chino” (1974) - Double Bass and Vocal
Inspired by his musical family, he started studying music when he was still very young. Chino began teaching himself but took music lessons later. He graduated at the elementary level in double bass and voice. The Cuban Music Institute rewarded him the professional musician status soon after. He also took part in the cultural exchange tour through Denmark with Soneros del Valle. His voice and his bass create a special combination. Alexis makes of every note a genuine Cuban rhythm.
Yorisleivys Beltrán Urquiola “El Yori” (1976) - Bongo and Vocal
He is blessed by the music flowing through his veins. It has genetically been passed-on for generations. He remembers the carnival drums of the traditional holydays celebrated in the ancient village outside Trinidad. Yuri was also granted the status of professional musician by The Cuban Music Institute. He graduated his music studies at an elementary level in percussion. He has played with ELEYÉ and Amigos del Son Band.. Yuri’s performances on stage makes Soneros del Valle’s rhythm the best choice to start moving on the dance floor.