PRESERVING THE RHYTHM OF ARUBA: NEW DOCUMENTARY “HISTORY AND PRESERVING OF THE CAHA DI ORGEL OF ARUBA” DEBUTS

Aruba’s musical heritage became the primary focus past Thursday as producer Ivan Quandus premiered his latest documentary, “Historia y preservacion di caha di orgel di Aruba,” at UNOCA. The event was an intimate gathering of the documentary’s protagonists, their families, and invited members of the press, all coming together to celebrate a uniquely Aruban tradition.

A Journey of Music and Emotion

The documentary, which spans over an hour, is far more than just a historical timeline. It provides a vivid look into the lives of the owners and keepers of the Caha di Orgel. Through their eyes, the film captures the full spectrum of the instrument’s journey:

• The Joy and Humor: Stories of celebrations and the “alegria” that the organ brings to every occasion.
• The Struggle: Honest reflections on the concerns regarding the preservation of these handcrafted instruments.
• The Gratitude: A deep sense of thankfulness from those who have dedicated their lives to keeping the crank turning.

• A Gift for Future Generations
• The evening also featured a historic moment for the island’s musical archives. Representing Alfonso “Buchi” Boekhoudt, Mrs. Zoraida officially presented a monumental book containing more than 500 arrangements specifically for the Caha di Orgel.
• This invaluable collection was presented to drs. Raymond Hernandez of the Archivo Nacional Aruba (ANA). This donation ensures that the intricate melodies and arrangements of the past are safely preserved for future researchers and musicians to study and enjoy.

Community and Cultural Support

Following the screening, Ivan Quandus expressed his profound gratitude to UNOCA for their unwavering belief in the project’s cultural value. He also shared a heartfelt “danki” to the caha owners who opened their homes and shared their personal histories to make this film a reality.

Where to Watch

The mission of this film is to reach everyone who values Aruban culture—especially the younger generation. If you missed the premiere, don’t worry!

• TeleAruba: Keep an eye on the schedule for an upcoming broadcast.
• Future Screenings: More locations and dates will be announced soon.

We encourage all musicians and culture lovers to experience this documentary. It is a beautiful reminder that while the world changes, the mechanical soul of Aruba’s music continues to play on.

Stay tuned to Arubamusician.com for updates on where you can catch the next screening!