This year the Cuban Cultural Center of New York joins Carnegie Hall’s Nuestros sonidos (Our Sounds) festival, celebrating the heritage and influence of Latin culture in the US, including vital contributions from the Caribbean. Through a diverse musical palette that includes classical, pop, salsa, and reggaeton, New York City audiences can dive into the melodies and rhythms that are deeply rooted in Latin music heritage, as well as into other artistic genres.
The CCCNY is joining the festivities with four distinct music presentations, from an overview of Celia Cruz‘s storied career in Cuba to a rich repertoire of classical music (featuring the magic of Bach, a tribute to Leo Brouwer, and a recital of Cuban musical traditions), complemented by an evening of art and film exploring the legacy of Ana Mendieta:
Saturday, March 22 ~ 3 pm
CELIA EN CUBA: 1925-1962
An illustrated presentation by cultural researcher and historian Rosa Marquetti focusing on the life and career of legendary singer Celia Cruz in Cuba before leaving the Island and going into exile. With vintage musical numbers from her concerts and films, the event celebrates Women’s History Month. Followed by a Q&A with the audience. This event will be held in Spanish.
Online ~ Free Admission Link to presentation: (to come)
Sunday, March 30 ~ 5 pm
IN LOVE WITH BACH
On the eve of J. S. Bach’s 340th birthday, piano virtuoso Orlando Alonso plays the composer’s complete Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1, renowned not only for its historical significance, but also for its technical and interpretive challenges, making it one of the most revered and difficult works in the classical piano repertoire. A longtime resident of New York City, Alonso’s dedication to mastering this intricate piece underscores this Cuban artist’s extraordinary talent and commitment to bringing timeless music to contemporary Latin American audiences.
National Opera Center, Scorca Hall 330 Seventh Avenue, NYC
General Admission $40 / CCCNY Members $25
Purchase tickets: https://www.cubanculturalcenter.org/bach
Friday, May 2 ~ 7 pm
ECOMYTHOLOGIES: FILMING ANA MENDIETA
An evening of art and film exploring key aspects of the artistic trajectory of Ana Mendieta (1948–1985). Internationally recognized, her visionary art touches on major 21st-century debates that center on the female body, the return to the earth, and the vagaries of migration and exile. Ecomythologies is presented by Latin America scholar Adriana Méndez-Rodenas and Raquel Cecilia Mendieta, the artist’s niece and the holder of her estate.
Instituto Cervantes 211 East 49th Street ~ Free Admission
Tuesday, May 20 ~ 7 pm
TRIBUTE TO LEO BROUWER
A tribute concert for renowned Cuban guitarist and composer Leo Brouwer, whose music will be played by some of the best contemporary classical musicians. With a catalog of more than 700 works that cover almost all genres and musical forms, Maestro Brouwer, now in his 80s, will be awarded the Ignacio Cervantes Medal, the Cuban Cultural Center of New York’s highest recognition for lifetime excellence in classical music.
Weill Recital Hall @ Carnegie Hall 154 W 57th Street, NYC
General Admission $60 / CCCNY Members $40 Purchase tickets: (to come)
Thursday, May 29 ~ 7 pm
TOOMAI STRING QUINTET: BAILES Y SUEÑOS
Continuing an exploration of Cuban musical traditions that blossomed with its 2018 album Cuerdas Cubanas, Toomai String Quintet presents a program of original arrangements that reimagine music by some of the most celebrated Cuban composers of the past and present. This concert features works by Tania León, Leo Brouwer, Gisela Hernández, and Ernesto Lecuona, as well as Yosvany Terry’s recent work Soñando despierto, commissioned by Toomai with support from the Cuban Cultural Center of New York.
Instituto Cervantes 211 East 49th Street ~ Free Admission
These events are 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 and the New York State Legislature.
With the promotional cooperation of 14yMedio, Rialta, and Diario de Cuba
