Cuba’s charangas queen celebrates her crown in Cubadisco
On the occasion of its 80th birthday, Orquesta Aragón was honored by several generations of musicians, led by virtuoso instrumentalist Orlando Valle (Maraca).
In the Avellaneda Hall of the National Theater of Cuba, on the night of May 22, the long life of the Aragon Orchestra was celebrated. Born in the city of Cienfuegos, this Charanga that has crossed the borders of time and continental limits, prestige the most autochthonous of Cuban popular music.
In this opportunity the recognized jazistas Alejandro Falcón, Michel Herrera, Maikel Gonzales, Yadasni Portillo (Portillito), Fabricio Alegre, JJ, met in the concert hall in a first moment, who assumed, as prelude of all the lived emotions, repertoire of the own Maracas, and of the Master Chucho Valdés.
Already at the climax of the presentation, Maestro José Loyola headed the prestigious list of other colleagues of harmony and feeling who could not miss the opportunity to accompany La Aragón. That is why Osdalgia, Moisés Valle ( Yumurí ), and a Yaima Sáez were applauded during the day. She imposed her seal of excellence by remembering the immense Elena Burke, with the theme Son al son.
The enchantment was achieved with a special accent, and in an informal atmosphere in which the language of good music and friendship predominated, the flute ruled the night for several moments. Considered the instrument of the gods brought to the stage in special discharge to Maracas, Dagoberto Gonzáles and Master Loyola,
Eighty years old and La Aragón is soul and determination; it is wisdom and integrity, it is a school and source of inspiration for newcomers who come to perform popular music from home.
Congratulations Aragón: unforgettable memory of Rafael Lay, father, Richard Egües, Bacallao, Olmo, Joseíto, among many other names upon which Rafelito Lay’s current work is based. The responsibility is great, but the recognition of the dancers of Cuba and the world is greater when enjoying the essence of the Charanga Reina de Cuba.
(Taken from La Jiribilla in Spanish)
Written by Radio Grito de Baire
