Helson Hernandez

Young Harold Lopez Nussa is among the great pianists of Cuba. “I think we should pay more attention to jazz in the teaching process,” he said in his interview with HT.

“The economic situation hurts, because artists are limited by the lack of materials and peace of mind. Despite this though, Cuban artists give their best,” said Dayron Enrique Gallardo in an interview with HT.

“I was the first scholarship student at the then newly created Alicia Alonso Dance School,” Menia Martinez, a historic figure in the world of Cuban ballet, tells us. I began by doing Spanish dance, which didn’t satisfy me because I couldn’t see any future there.

Cuba became part of my artwork when I begin to conceptualize the current series entitled “Fear of Nostalgia.” I gave it that title based on there being a very complicated process of learning from our past adventures. We refuse to admit many of the mistakes we make that allow us to grow, prosper and progress.

As Tesis de Menta launches its fourth album, Luz, the group’s leader Roberto Perdomo allows us a closer look at this rock band. As he said, “Pablo Milanés is to me one of the best singers in the world and to share our music with him was great.”

Spanish musician Carlos Aransay is the director of Coro Cervantes in England and a lover of Cuban culture. Concerning the island, he says, “Cuba always makes me smile and gives me life.” He tries to come each year to work with Cuban musicians.

For some time now, flamenco has been a part of the Cuban music and dance stages. Today we interview Andres Correa, known as “the flamenco voice of Cuba.” He told us, “Unfortunately, many of our flamenco artists have chosen to immigrate in search of opportunity.”

Writer, poet and essayist Jorge Brooks is also the manager of “Danza Contemporanea de Cuba” (the Cuban Contemporary Dance company), the most international troupe on the island. Reflecting on the arts, Brooks said, “You have to understand that art is a product that is sold.”