A gala by the National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by maestro Guido López-Gavilán, closed the 28th International Cubadisco 2014 Festival at Havana’s National Theater.

The Cuban Symphony played pieces, such as Ritmotiv and Canto de orishas, the latter along with renowned percussionist Justo Pelladito. Performers also included the female folk drum company Obbiní Batá and soprano Bárbara LLanes sang Franz Schubert’s Ave María along with Tambores de Bejucal “conga” band. During the gala, Cubadisco Prizes of Honor were awarded to Cuban percussionists, Luis Antonio Barrera, Guillermo Rubalcaba, and the drum band Tambores de Bejucal.

The fiesta of the Cuban recording industry paid tribute to late Cuban musicians, Juan Formell, Tata Güines and Chano Pozo, along with recently deceased poet, actor and music, Luis Carbonell. Cubadisco 2014, which began on May 18th, was also dedicated to percussion, to Caribbean cultures and Trinidad and Tobago was the guest of honor.