On the morning of June 26, Cuba's Ambassador to Canada, Rodrigo Malmierca Díaz, welcomed Italian-Canadian musician Aldo Mazza to the Cuban Embassy in Ottawa. Mazza has maintained a close, enduring relationship with Cuba for more than 20 years, earning official recognition for his work in preserving, teaching, and promoting the country's musical rhythms and cultural heritage.
During a cordial exchange, Mazza spoke about his current and future projects, which remain closely linked to Cuba and its culture. Ambassador Malmierca Díaz, in turn, updated him on the current situation in Cuba as a result of the intensified measures taken by the Trump administration and how they are affecting all sectors of Cuban society, including culture. The artist reaffirmed his solidarity with and commitment to Cuba.
As an educator and artistic director, Mazza is the co-founder, together with his wife, violinist Dr. Jolan Kovács, who was also present at the meeting, of KoSA International Percussion Workshops & Festivals. The organization conducts camps and workshops in Canada, the United States, Italy, China and, especially, Cuba. His method book, Cuban Rhythms for Percussion and Drumset: The Essentials, was selected by Cuba's Ministry of Culture as the official textbook for music schools and conservatories throughout the country.
