Havana, Cuba. - Cuban popular music will be enriched by “Juan Arrondo” National Composition Contest, whose gala shows of the 39th edition are scheduled for next August 17, 18 and 19, at the usual venue of “Jesus Garay” Theater, in Guanabacoa.
The Organizing Committee of the contest told Radio Cadena Habana that after rigorous analysis, the jury chose 15 finalist works. They examined the works of more than fifty authors from all over the country, mostly talented young people who rely on this event to promote Cuban rhythms.
Outstanding figures, like bolero singer Hermis Sanchez, Miguel Patterson, conductor of ICRT Orchestra, arranger Felix Landa, Yuyet Preval, artistic director of the show, and Clara Garcia, professor of Literature at Havana University, are the jury members that will select the winning works.
The themes, which will be rendered by several singers, were written on this occasion by composers from Havana, Pinar del Río and Villa Clara. They are consistent with the tradition followed by the contest to recognize the best values of our sonority art through different genres.
The Juan Arrondo Contest pays tribute to the remarkable musician from Guanabacoa, author of over 200 compositions, mostly boleros and songs. That’s why that melodic line has marked the history of the contest.
As customary, the great prize of composition will be delivered during the last gala, as well as three other first places; a popularity award conferred by the audience attending the last show, and a singing prize named after Adriano Rodriguez, in memory of the remarkable vocalist, who was honorary president of the event until his death.
Translated by Pedro A. Fanego
