Performance Brilliance In Havana, Cuba

Aldo rocks a Steinway

  Cuba is distinguished by the magnificence of its arts and culture creatives.  Now upon return from our visit we can testify personally to this reality.
  It’s no surprise that the performative arts of Cuba resonated deeply with Kaz and myself.  After all we have lived in Oracle for more than 40 years and our town’s future, a bit like Cuba’s, depends in part on diverse artistic endeavors to sustain residents and attract visitors.   So now the “Oracle-Cuba connection” emerges as especially rich and timely.  
  While on our trip to Havana we couldn’t even begin to plumb the depths of Cuban sensibilities, we did experience enough to come away blown away by the energy and talent that graced performances we witnessed. To a person our group of 37 from the US felt the same way.

Daiana Lopez-Gavilan, Maestra, conducts superb orchestra

  One of several high points of our shared experience was a concert led by Aldo López-Gavilán himself.  When word of his concert spread, people of all ages and backgrounds flocked to the event. We overheard locals declare he could fill a stadium with fans of his musicality… on a day’s notice. 
  During an almost three hour performance Aldo summoned masters (many of them youngsters!) of keyboards. drums, and horns to join him on stage, contributing to a sense of collective accomplishment that was met with raucous approval by the audience (including us).  We came away believing Aldo and company were Cuban rock stars (or should we say “jazz stars”) true to their own unique calling.

Flamenco at its thriling best in Havana

  We applaud Steve and Bridget Cook and the  Oracle Piano Society for any and all efforts  to more deeply connect Oracle, Arizona  with Havana, Cuba now and into the future.

Steve and Bridgit Cook in Havana