The renowned Cuban singer-songwriter Eliades Ochoa made his first presentation at the important Koerner Hall in Toronto. The Royal Conservatory's executive director, Mervon Mehta, highlighted the importance of this concert, which had been in the works for 16 years.
Tickets for the concert sold out very quickly and those who were able to attend gave the Cuban musician a standing ovation as they danced to his songs. Although members of the Cuban community were present, most of those present were Canadians who did not understand Spanish, but enjoyed the universal language of music. Toronto vibrated for more than two hours to the rhythm of songs from his album Guajiro and other well-known songs in his repertoire such as El carretero and Píntate los labios María.
In a meeting between the Consul General of Cuba in Toronto, Jorge Yanier Castellanos Orta, and Eliades Ochoa, the latter said he was very happy with the reception of the public, whom he defined as a big family. He also stressed that the most important thing for him was not so much the multiple and important international awards received, but the love of so many people who accompanied him that night. He emphasized the joy he felt when he saw that many young people enjoyed and were initiated also in traditional Cuban music.
For his part, the Consul General thanked the singer-songwriter for all his trajectory and imprint on our music, and for his invaluable contribution to the strengthening of cultural ties between both nations. He stressed the importance of showing the world Cuba's cultural wealth, especially our musical tradition. He also thanked Executive Director Mervon Mehta for his initiative to promote our country's music in Toronto.