Question and exclamation marks, phrases in superlative degree, emotion, joy, all combined in responses to the National Music Award 2019, when a call stopped the excited life of Ildefonso Acosta Escobar and Joaquín Betancourt.
The news shocked them. On the other side of the line they felt broken words - not because of the connection - like "repeat again", "I don't listen", "oh my mother!", "Me?", After the announcement of such distinction by Marta Bonet, head of the Cuban Institute of Music.
‘’Their names stood out among five equally prolific candidates, but their work deserved timely recognition, because they radiate more than sound, mastery, passion for art and their island, “they have managed to impact Cuban cultural events and transcend their multifaceted work’’, said the president of the jury, Digna Guerra. "The decision was very difficult because all the proposed ones deserve the prize, but the selected ones really have a work that supports this recognition”, she added.
The jury, also composed by renowned Cuban musicians, national awards in previous years (Adalberto Álvarez, Guido López Gavilán, Pancho Amat and Beatriz Márquez), announced its resolution this afternoon confident that with this election they will settle a part of Cuba's debt to The immense work of these artists.
According to the team of specialists, Acosta, guitarist, concert player, teacher and composer, has made many contributions to the instruction of this instrument and has maintained a creative work”; while Mr. Betancourt, a leading figure of our culture, stands out for his great work bringing popular dance music to the symphonic format.
‘’The winners have made important contributions for creation and played an important role in the new generations’ styles", said Mr. López Gavilán.
The emotion is indescribable, thanks for recognizing my modest efforts towards Cuban music, there are many people that deserve this distinction, I am grateful that it is precisely in the year in which Havana celebrates its 500th anniversary, said Mr. Betancourt, violinist, orchestra director, composer and music producer.
