Last Thursday at the Amadeo Roldan Theater in Havana, it was the guitar’s turn to celebrate one of its most fervent lovers: maestro Leo Brouwer, considered as one of the greatest musical creators in the contemporary world. He is, in essence, a guide of the Cuban and universal guitar, and the winner of this year’s National Cinema Prize for his soundtracks.
Read More“Every human being is an artist.” With this conception of life and art, Joseph Beuys aroused commotion, debate and many contradictory opinions in his native Germany during the seventies and eighties. His vision radiated around the world.
Read MoreHugo Luis Sanchez’ latest novel took him ten years to finish. “I took all that time because I didn’t want to finish writing it. I had created a virtual world in which I felt comfortable, a town by the sea that I never wanted to leave . Every time I had the opportunity, I dived into that world.”
Hugo Luis does not take all the credit for himself. His modesty leads him to declare himself in debt with his wife and son. He says, “They injected me with the necessary courage, gave me patience to follow my dream in writing this novel for almost a decade.”
Read MoreDance idol Carlos Acosta brings England’s Royal Ballet to Cuba this summer for a series of special performances at Havana’s Grand and Karl Marx Theaters. “For the first time ever the Royal Ballet will be taking the whole company to dance in Havana, Cuba during their tour in July,” states the dancer’s personal website.
Read MoreThe guitars, pianos, and conga drums seem to want to jump through the plate glass, while the attendant prevents them from taking to the street. Just the opposite occurs with the public; they are drawn into the bazaar if only to appreciate the range of choices offered in the shops. Likewise, throughout the entire week, a series of intimate performances take place: soloists, quartets, troubadours and comedians.
Read MoreOne of the most striking pieces during the recent Havana Art Biennial was from Manuel Castro Inda, entitled “Encounter”. With much realism it puts Fidel Castro and Cuban National Hero Jose Marti face-to-face.
Another provocative exhibit in the same room is “Columbus Doesn’t Exist” by Julio Alberto Mompié, with the three famous caravels suspended in a dark backdrop. Havana Times brings you a good look at both, separately and together.
It looks as if photographers Chip Cooper of Alabama and Nestor Marti of Havana had painted the walls of the Cuban capital with their lenses. The exposition titled “Side by Side” is open for viewing through June 17 at the Julio Larramendi Gallery in Old Havana.
Strong yellows, intense or light blues, pinks, greens and reds take you by the hand on a tour of columns, balustrades and streets, or they simply let us know that we are in Old Havana, a very old city and at the same time modern.
Read MoreMaykel Elizarde is a Cuban proud of his music, avid for sharing his love of the Tres guitar. Let’s hope he finds his regular spot so we can all hear him. It is a unique experience to be before this stunning quartet composed of great interpretive quality, and who are respectful of the public-now matter how small.
I am sure that, with some promotion, the Malecon will be empty next time and the concert hall won’t have enough space. Their performing only has to be announced; the talent has already been shown.
Read More“I think the Department of State’s attitude is very contradictory with the wish expressed by President Obama for a rapprochement with Cuba,” wrote Rodríguez. The folksinger said he felt as discriminated against by the Obama administration “as by other US governments.”
Read MoreNumerous Cuban rock bands will tour several of the country’s provinces starting today until June 13. This is the first national tour of the Cuban Rock Agency. The tour is sponsored by the Hermanos Saíz Association, which represents young artists, the Cuban Music Institute and the Young Communist League (UJC).
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