New York, September 11, 2017. A memorable concert by Silvio Rodríguez at the Central Park, New York, last Sunday. His first words to the audience were of concern for and solidarity with his compatriots who, in Cuba, bravely faced the powerful hurricane Irma. Silvio also thanked the expressions of solidarity with Cuba from other parts of the world.
During his performance, the Cuban Trova singer made a wide journey through his past and present work before an ecstatic audience of more than four thousand people who sang with him all his songs. Crucial moments were undoubtedly the performance of memorable songs such as "El Necio", "Ojalá", "Oleo de mujer con sombrero", "Canción del elegido", "Pequeña serenata diurna" and "Unicornio" (this last song was actually an impressive and giant chorus that surely could be heard far away).
Another significant moment was his performance of "Cita con ángeles", which he dedicated on this occasion to the unforgettable friend of Cuba Lucius Walker and to the citizens of New York who perished during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. He did not forget to mention that other fateful September 11 of 1973, in Chile, when the popular government of Salvador Allende was overthrown by a bloody fascist coup d‘état.
The members of the Permanent Mission of Cuba in New York arrived early to the Summer Stage, a concert area of the park, to ensure a good place, holding our Cuban flag and very enthusiastic.
It was beautiful to hear the countless expressions of solidarity with the Cuban Revolution there, the "Long lives" to our Fidel, the exclamations of "Keep Strong Cuba!"
We all left that place proud of being Cubans and with a much firmer commitment to our Revolution and our people.
On Sunday night, September 10, Cuba was in New York's Central Park in the voice of Silvio. There we were too, sure that, not far from there, that "other angel on horseback" who "fell with the poor of the earth" from the top of his Hero pedestal proudly contemplated this work of love and unity. That night the Central Park was CUBA.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the UN