CUBA 50 Celebrating Cuban Culture  /  SEPTEMBER 2021

All the latest cultural news from Cuba and what to see from the UK

VIEW THIS EMAIL IN YOUR BROWSER
 
 
 

Alberto Juantorena, Cuban Olympic legend on film - plus medals and world records for Cuba this August

 

 

This August brought medals and world records for Cuba at the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics. Read more here. Released at the same time was the new documentary 'Running for the Revolution' that chronicles the life of Cuban Olympic athletics legend and World Athletics Council Member, Alberto Juantorena, from the start of his journey to a historic 400m/800m double triumph at the 1976 Olympic Games, to his lifelong service to the sport he loves. 
 
 

The Bolero is declared National Cultural Heritage in Cuba

 

 

The bolero, the music and dance genre born in Cuba in the 19th century, has been declared ‘National Cultural Heritage’. This highly poetic song form was made popular in the 20th century by musician-singers such as Sindo Garay and Benny Moré, and developed and fused with other genres by many artists since in Cuba and outside the island.

Read all about the history of Bolero and listen to examples of the music.
 
 
 

Havana Art Biennial to run November to May 2022
 

The 14th Havana Biennial of contemporary art opens this November, despite the difficulties of the pandemic, changing its usual structure and will last six months during which theoretical and practical elements will "highlight the emancipatory potential of art and culture, as well as their ability to reflect on the present and the future of the planet."
 
 
 
 

Review of double album 'Cuba Music and Revolution' 
 

“This excellent Soul Jazz compilation album spells out how music was central to the creative explosion that took place in Cuba following the 1959 revolution...showing how Cuba was searching for a new post-colonial and radically modern cultural identity.” Featuring great tracks by Irakere, Los Van Van and many more lesser known groups.
 
 
 
Timbalaye festival in Cuba: women in rumba +  video
 

Clearly women do perform rumba in Cuba but now there is an initiative to not only promote this traditional music in Cuba but also committed to making women more visible in a genre that has tended to be exclusive to men. The Timbalaye festival of rumba this week tool place online and you can catch a special concert of female rumba musicians here
 
 
 
 
 

Adalberto Alvarez, RIP Maestro - listen to his great music

 

 

Adalberto Alvarez, known as 'El Caballero del Son' in Cuba - the gentleman of son music, sadly died  in Cuba on 1 September from Covid-19 illness. Born in 1948, the founder of 'Son 14' and 'Adalberto Álvarez y su Son' bands, he had made 30 albums, and is considered the most internationally covered Cuban sonero. A key figure in Cuban dance music, he dedicated his work to making music for the dancer.  
 
 
Try some Cuban coffee direct from the Sierra Maestra mountains

 

 
Altura Sierra Maestra Cuban coffee is  grown in  the high Sierra Maestra mountains of Eastern Cuba.  Strong with a clean, rich soft flavour and hint of honey.  Freshly ground, for all coffee makers, or coffee beans for your perfect grind.
 
 

UK EVENTS COMING UP
 
 
 

Yuli: The Carlos Acosta Story, London and online 21 September
 

Screening in person an online of the wonderful feature film based on the journey of Carlos Acosta from young boy in Havana with an amazing talent to dancing the first black Romeo with the Royal Ballet in London. Magical dance scenes and touching moments about leaving your country for your passion.
 
 
 
 

Curated by Carlos, London, 4-6 November
 

Birmingham Royal Ballet, where Carlos Acosta is now director, presents this triple bill, including two recently premiered works and the UK premiere of a new pas de deux created especially for Carlos Acosta himself and Alessandri Ferri. 
 
 
 

‘Extraordinary Cuba Part 2’ Havana-Glasgow Film Festival, 16-21 November
 

Now in its 7th year this showcase of Cuban cinema and culture is back this November, online and in person, with the new feature 'Castro's Spies', a focus on Cuban director Arturo Sotto, sustainability in Cuba and much more
 
 
 
 
Connect With Us
 
     
 
Cuba50.org
Advertise with us
office@cuba50.org /  020 7490 5715
A project of Cuba Solidarity Campaign UK
 

Cuba50 c/o CSC, 33-37 Moreland St • London, London EC1V 8BB • • Click here to unsubscribe.