The visit to Havana of Cuban composer, arranger and pianist Ignacio "Nachito" Herrera, resident in the United States, left a deep mark of sensitivity, beyond the musical presentations.

By Roberto Morejón

The visit to Havana of Cuban composer, arranger and pianist Ignacio "Nachito" Herrera, a Cuban-American resident in the United States, left a deep mark of sensitivity, beyond the musical presentations.

His love for his homeland, his reverence for Cuban artists and professors who contributed to his mastery and his dedication to scientists and doctors from the United States and Cuba for helping to bring him back to life after being infected with SARS-Cov-2, also marked his travels through art schools, press sets and meetings with colleagues.

Participant in the 37th edition of the Jazz Plaza 2022 International Festival, Herrera reiterated here the attachment to his origins, regardless of the fact that in Minnesota, where he lives, he spends his current life and relationship with culture. 

The pianist also came to Havana as the bearer of a donation of musical instruments to promote artistic education in the country where he learned the rudiments of music.

In addition, he also brought medical supplies collected by people in Minnesota and other states, eager to help, even in a modest way, Cuba in times of material limitations, due to the U.S. blockade and the impact of the expenses to face Covid-19.

In Ignacio Herrera's opinion, this is the best way to foster respectful and civilized relations between both countries.

A wise conceptual formulation by the prominent musician, who was in a coma due to the disease and received medical assistance from U.S. and Cuban professionals.

Deeply grateful for that action which, as he defines, saved his life, the eminent performer's pronouncement made many think about how much more could be done if the barriers between the United States and Cuba were to fall, in order to pave the way for mutually advantageous cooperation.

It has been done before, especially during the Barack Obama administration. There are the clinical trials in New York with a Cuban vaccine for certain cases of lung cancer.

Seeing an American orchestra conductor, "Nachito" and talented young Cuban instrumentalists on the stage of a Havana theater, many evoked the usefulness of sharing projects, as with music, a traditional bridge between the two peoples.