Nachito Herrera plays the piano at the closing gala of Jazz Plaza 2022.
Havana, January 24 (RHC)-- The 37th International Jazz Plaza Festival concluded on Sunday with a gala performed by pianist and composer Ignacio "Nachito" Herrera, with the attendance of Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel and representatives of the cultural sector.
In the Covarrubias Hall of the National Theater, the U.S.-based musician and activist showed his vocation for art, gratitude, and solidarity with the land where he was born in a concert of high standards where he reaffirmed that music is a language to unite people.
From Minnesota to Havana, the artist arrived not only to display his talent. He also brought medical supplies and musical instruments that went to the hands of students in the island's artistic education system.
"I just gave back everything I received here, my education and career," he confessed in a direct allusion to the many actions "that we can do respecting any of the political ideas we have."
"Cuba will not surrender. Cuba lives and is ready to receive those who wish to come to this great country to collaborate respectfully," said the musician who survived Covid-19 and is grateful for the work of the health professionals who contributed to saving his life inside and outside the country.
At the piano, Herrera paid tribute to National Music Prize winner Frank Fernández, one of his primary mentors in playing the instrument, seconded by the skill of violinist and friend Lázaro Dagoberto González, a member of the Aragón Orchestra.
The concert ranged from George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue and Summertime, and Charles Chaplin's Smile, to Nachito's Latin jazz recreations by Bach and Chopin, including tributes to Cuban pianist Ernesto Lecuona.
More than 15 concerts by musicians from nine countries took place in four venues of the Cuban capital, which hosted the Festival. At the same time, the Leonardo Acosta International Jazz Colloquium was held, which became a platform to promote knowledge about the latest genre trends in Cuba and the world.
