Alejandro García Caturla was a Cuban composer of art music and creolized Cuban themes, he is considered one of the pioneers of modern Cuban symphonic art. At sixteen he became a second violin of the new Orquesta Sinfonica de La Habana. He also began composing at a young age, whilst studying both music and law. Despite being of pure Spanish descent, he was fascinated by Afro-Cuban folklore, and these themes were characteristic of his compositions. His Tres danzas cubanas for symphony orchestra was first performed in Spain in 1929. Bembe was premiered in Havana the same year. In 1932 he founded the Caibarien Concert Society, whose orchestra he conducted on many occasions. His Obertura cubana won first prize in a national contest in 1938.