Sydney, October 26, 2024, Coro Austral in association with the Cuban Embassy presented this Saturday in Sydney "Cuba – Australia: 35 Years" A concert of Cuban music to commemorate 35 years of Cuba-Australia diplomatic relations. The event took placed at Leichhardt Town Hall
The guests could enjoy a concert showcasing Cuban choral and vocal music at its best, commemorating a significant event in the history of Cuba-Australia relations.
Diplomatic relations between Cuba and Australia were established on 31st January 1989. According to Cuban Ambassador Mrs Tanieris Dieguez La O cooperation between both countries has been strengthened over the 35 years since, particularly in the arts, education, health, sports and tourism. This concert celebrated the strong ties between Cuba and Australia.
Highly regarded for its performances of Spanish and Latin American music, Coro Austral, conducted by Artistic Director Margot McLaughlin, presented choral arrangements of Cuban songs, including favourites such as Chan Chan of Buena Vista Social Club fame, Quizás, Quizás, Quizás, made famous in the Australian film Strictly Ballroom, and El Manisero as well as works by renowned Cuban composer Beatriz Corona (Corazón Coraza and Solo de Guitarra) and arrangements by choral legend Electo Silva (La Tarde and Juramento).
Guest artists include The Third Voice, a trio consisting of talented female vocalists Clarita Derwent, Gemma Turner and Christina Mimmocchi. Each is an experienced solo artist in her own right, and in The Third Voice, they collaborate to curate material from a variety of sources that they love. In this concert they joined by percussionist Jess Ciampa and presented songs from the Afro-Cuban tradition.
Was emotional to had, renowned Chilean/Australian musician Hernan Flores who performed songs from his Cuban repertoire, including by Silvio Rodriguez and Pablo Milanés. He was also accompany Coro Austral on percussion.
It was an excellent day with the presence of the Cuban Ambassador to Australia Tanieris Dieguez who also joined the choir at the end of the event to sing the Guantanamera, an anthological song that represents the most genuine of Cuban music.
