Exquisite opening gala of the 32nd Matanzas Book Fair .
The opening gala of the 32nd International Book Fair in Matanzas, staged at the Sauto Theater, National Monument, praised the culture of Brazil, guest of honor country, with an exquisite selection of poems and musical compositions, strung through the show «Concilio de las aguas» (Council of Waters).
The Matanzas Book Fair is dedicated to José Manuel Espino. Photo: Félix González
The opening remarks were in charge of the award-winning writer José Manuel Espino, to whom, together with the group Teatro de las Estaciones, this year’s festival of literature in the City of Bridges is dedicated.
Speaking, the president of UNEAC Matanzas, about the particularity of the current event, said that given the circumstances of the duet between the printed and digital book, it is a challenge to reconcile both ways of reading, as demanded by the future of printing in Cuba and worldwide.
«My reverence to all those who will make this collective dream come true and allow Matanzas to be an immense bridge, built from the fervor for reading, authors, books.»
He said he imagined Dora Alonso applauding the noble gesture with childhood to coincide this recognition in creators inspired by children, with a punctual look at childhood and the commitment that art, always has to do with their growth.
While the Classical Duo, Elvira Santiago on piano and cellist Dayán Mirabal, recreated pieces by Heitor Villa-Lobos and Suzi Magallaes; to incorporate the richness of the songs of the brother country in the arpeggios of singer Olga Margarita Muñoz, accompanied by Mario Guerrero, on guitar and Sigfredo Grasso, on saxophone.
The trio performed a wide range of melodies, including the well-known Acuarela de Brasil, Mañana de Carnaval and Eu sei que vou te amar, with the participation of Danza Espiral, choreographed by Liliam Padrón.
Continuous applause motivated the José White Camerata, conducted by maestro Bienvenido Quintana, with the works Sambason and Garota de Ipanema, to finally show off their virtuosity with Bachiana Brasilera No. 5, by Villa-Lobos, conceived for soprano and cello orchestra, where the relevant Lucelsy Fernández Oliva sang the Aria.
This piece, little known in Cuba, demanded the search of the scores by professors Hilda Elvira Santiago and Lourdes Fernández Valhuerdi to deliver them as a precious jewel in the hands of maestro Bienvenido Quintana, who made an exceptional coupling.
The opening gala was scripted by Alfredo Zaldívar, art directed by Liliam Padrón and produced by the Sauto Theater’s technical team.
Starting today, the fairgrounds on Narvaez Street will be open for book sales, along with the main venues for debates and presentations at the Palacio de Junco Museum, the Curator’s Office, the Matanzas, Aldabon and Vigia publishing houses, the UNEAC’s social house and dozens of simultaneous venues.
The evening was attended by Party and Government authorities, headed by the first secretary, Susely Morfa; the provincial director of Culture Osbel Marrero, the director of the provincial Center of Book and Literature, Efrahím Pérez Izquierdo and personalities participating in the fair, which will last until next 10th.
Photos by Félix González Pérez
Written by María ElenaBayón.
