Ottawa - This Friday, October 17th, at the Southminster United Church, Cuban composer, director, and pianist José María Vitier offered the concert "Ibero-American Visions," within the framework of the celebrations for Hispanic Heritage Month in Canada and Cuban Culture Day.
The evening, organized by the Embassies of Spain and Cuba, was attended by representatives of Canadian political, cultural, and academic institutions, the diplomatic corps, the solidarity movements with Cuba, and Cuban residents in Canada.
The maestro offered a wide repertoire that, for an hour, delighted the attendees and included pieces such as Bienaventuranzas I and XXI, Danzón Imaginario, Tempo Habanero, Latidos, and the always acclaimed Fresa y Chocolate (Strawberry and Chocolate).
Born into a family of great intellectual lineage, Vitier's academic training took place mainly at the "Amadeo Roldán" Municipal Conservatory in Havana, obtaining the title of Piano Professor in 1975. Later, he completed higher studies in Art History and Composition at the University of Havana and at the Higher Institute of Art.
With his compositions for piano, symphony orchestra, choir, and other chamber and jazz formats, he has created an innovative way of linking cultured expression and the popular roots of Cuban music. His work of great originality and Cuban identity is part of the repertoire of relevant Cuban and international performers and musical groups.
This author's film soundtrack work encompasses more than 60 productions, including the film Fresa y Chocolate (Strawberry and Chocolate), nominated for an Oscar Award, and other films whose music has been awarded at the Venice International Film Festival 1987, with the Ocella Award, and at the Havana International Film Festival, with two Coral Awards, to name a few.