Elpidio Chapotín
The Cuban Music Institute lamented the death of renowned musician, trumpet player Elpidio Chapotín –the grandnephew of also legendary trumpet player Félix Chapotín.
A graduate from the Cuban National Art School, Chapotín began his professional career at the early age of 14. He played the trumpet for many iconic Cuban ensembles, notably the orchestras of Gran Teatro de La Habana and the world-famous Tropicana Havana nightclub and also the orchestra of the Cuban Radio and Television Institute (ICRT).
During his long, fruitful artistic life, Elpidio Chapotín –fondly called El Chapo-- was a founding member of NG La Banda, led by flutist maestro José Luis Cortés and collaborated with several other musicians, among them singers Elena Burke and Rosita Fornés, singer-songwriter Silvio Rodríguez and pianist Frank Fernández.
Likewise, he was also a member of the world-famous Buena Vista Social Club Project and of the orchestra of Issac Delgado, who wrote a heartfelt condolence message on social media.
The director of the emblematic Orquesta Aragón, Rafael Lay, also expressed condolences on social media, saying Cuban music mourns the death of El Chapo --one of its finest, greatest exponents.
Elpidio Chapotín died in Havana on Wednesday, January 26th, at the age of 70.
