In a jubilant musical celebration of Havana’s 500th anniversary, this unique overview will showcase many of the compositions dedicated to the city, a source of inspiration for poets and musicians the world over since its founding in 1519. Research scholar Andrés Castellanos will share a representative sample of close to 175 findings and the rich history behind many of these songs and instrumental pieces, from the 18th century to the present, highlighting the most emblematic ones on film, audio, and a live performance by award-winning guitarist and singer David Oquendo.
“L’amour est un oiseau rebelle,” the world-famous habanera from Georges Bizet’s opera Carmen, will be performed by special guest artist Keiko Ueda (mezzo-soprano), accompanied by Luis Segura (violin), and Mark Buccheri (piano).
INSTITUTO CERVANTES
211 East 49th Street, bet. 2nd & 3rd Aves., NYC
FREE ADMISSION for CCCNY and IC MEMBERS
RSVP: info@cubanculturalcenter.org
To listen to one of the songs, click here:
Andres Castellanos del Corral is a lecturer, researcher and scholar of Cuban history. Some of his findings appear in Bibliography about Father Felix Varela, published by Enildo Garcia, in Levi Marrero’s magnificent work, Cuba 
Economia y Sociedad, and in other volumes on Cuban history. volumes. His writings and biographical notes on numerous prominent Cuban figures have been published in numerous journals, including Circulo, Catalunya, and AFICS/NY Bulletin. He is President Emeritus of the Federation of Associations of Former International Civil Servants of the U.N. and all other International Organizations (FAFICS), and also an Honorary Member of the Governing Board of AFICS. For almost 40 years he was professor of Public Speaking and Parliamentary Procedures at the Félix Varela Hispanic Institute of Pastoral Formation of the Archdiocese of New York. Prof. Castellanos holds a Masters in Political Science from the Graduate Faculty of Political and Social Science of the New School for Social Research. In Cuba he pursued Law studies at Villanova Catholic University and at the University of Havana, where he also completed the Licentiate Program in Diplomatic and Consular Law.
A native of Havana, Cuba, David Oquendo is a highly accomplished and respected interpreter of many diverse styles of Cuban music. In Cuba, he rose to fame as a guitarist and 
singer with Elena Bourke and Compay Segundo, one of the vocalists featured in Buena Vista Social Club. Since moving to the United States he is recipient of a Grammy Award for the album “Tropicana’s Nights” with Paquito D’Rivera, two Grammy Nominations for “Heart of a Legend” with Chico O’Farrill and “Bebop Timba” with Raphael Cruz, and three Latin Grammy Nominations for his own production “Raices Habaneras”, “50 Years of Mambo” of Latin Jazz USA and “Paquito D’Rivera Presenta Las Hermanas Marquez” with Paquito D’ Rivera.
This event is co-sponsored by Instituto Cervantes and is presented as part of our year-long celebration of the 500th anniversary of the City of Havana, culminating in our 18th annual flagship conference, Oda a La Habana: The first 500 years, to be held at Barnard College on Sunday, November 17, 2019.
And is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.
With the promotional collaboration of
