Helson Hernandez

Singing with Moncada and Pavarotti

Augusto Enriquez, the former lead singer with the popular Cuban group Moncada, was the sole Cuban artist invited to sing with the great Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti in his memorable benefit concerts.

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Cuba’s Ballet in a Book

Currently Cuban ballerinas are like their Russian counterparts of the 1970s and ‘80s, and for very similar reasons. They have that type of strong but subtle influence; they can be found all over the world, and they’re always in first ranks.

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Interview with Cuban actress Ana de Armas

Well, when I was in Cuba and I made the decision to leave for Spain to look for work, I was in my fourth year of acting school. When I left I was only a few months short of graduating, but I knew that immediately after finishing I wouldn’t be allowed to leave Cuba for a few years [to perform National Social Service work required of all graduates]. So, I had to weigh the value of having a degree in my hands or leaving at that moment in search of my future; I always pay attention to my intuition – so I left.

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Interview with Cuban Artist Maykel Herrera

HT interviews Maykel Herrera, a visual artist whose work has already attained a privileged position among Cuban contemporary artists for its impact in exhibits and the interest shown by the public. “I consider myself a very observant individual, a person who nurtures themselves from all experiences. I take advantage of every day to the maximum,” says Maykel.

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Cuba Flamenco Artist Reinier Mariño

HT interviews Reinier Mariño, a recognized flamenco guitarist from Cuba who left the island several years ago to pursue a fruitful international career. “I love to play; it’s perhaps what I love most in life. I would dare to say, with all sincerely, that I like playing the guitar more than making love,” says the musician.

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Cuba’s Mariem Valdes: “My Soul on Stage”

This year has been very fruitful for my career as a soloist in the company. In March I realized my premiere as Nikiya in “The Bayadere,” a beautiful ballet which had the great challenge of not having been staged in Cuba for more than six years and only the Prodanza company was doing it.

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