Electo Silva
Santiago de Cuba, June 1 (RHC)-- A total of 26 authors from 15 nations, participated in the 1st Electo Silva International Choral Composition Competition.
After evaluating the 43 works in competition, the jury awarded prizes to the best original works with the best vocal arrangements.
The first prize went to Israeli Bracha Bdil for the work ‘Yizkerem’, while Venezuelan Luis Sierra won second prize for the piece ‘Ave María’.
Meanwhile, Cuban Ernesto Herrera and Colombian Santiago Barbosa both won the jury’s third prize for the pieces ‘Mortem’ and ‘Danza negra’, respectively.
The jury, presided over by Cuban maestro Guido López Gavilán, highlighted the high quality of the works in competition.
The winner of the first prize Bracha Bdil is an accomplished author of works for symphony orchestras, chamber music ensembles and solo instruments. In 2018, the Israeli musician won the prestigious International Choral Competition in Moscow.
The jury highlighted the participation of other award-winning musicians, among them Korean Jee Seo –the winner of such prestigious choral competitions like Egidio Carella (Italy) and Antonin Dvorak (Czech Republic), and the author of several memorable pieces included in the repertoire of choral ensembles from Italy, Russia, Ukraine, Germany, United States and Korea.
A prolific arranger and composer, Electo Silva died in his native Santiago de Cuba in 2017 at the age of 88. He is considered an iconic figure in the field of choral music in Cuba. His collection of traditional Cuban songs entitled "30 canciones populares cubanas" presents an array of influential pieces that have enriched the repertoire for mixed a cappella choirs.
A National Music Prize laureate, he founded and directed the Orfeon Santiago ensemble for more than 40 years. Other awards included the Jose Maria Heredia Distinction and the Felix Varela Order.
The winning pieces of the 1st Electo Silva International Choral Composition Competition will be presented during the 34th International Choir Festival, an event founded by maestro Electo Silva himself. The event is set for October 28th through November 1st in Santiago de Cuba.
