Havana, June 7 (Prensa Latina) The concert “I Know You Will Return: Tribute to Manzanero in Cuba” was held today in the Avellaneda Hall of the National Theater to honor the figure and work of the legendary Mexican artist of romantic music in Latin America.
The gala began with remarks from Marco Antonio Lugo, executive president of the Bolero Institute of Mexico, who thanked all the artistic talent from both countries.
Mexico and Cuba are united by our struggles, our efforts, our hopes; however, I believe the most important bond in this union has been music, especially the bolero, Lugo said.
I also think that the most significant relationship between both peoples today is the infinite love for Manzanero, who taught us “I don’t write songs, I write life,” the executive emphasized.
“Yo sé que volverás” (I Know You Will Return) is a successful title, not only because of the song immortalized by Luis Miguel, with lyrics by Luis Pérez Sabido and music by our unforgettable Manzanero; it’s a premonitory song title for those of us who have visited Cuba, to which we will surely return, noted the executive president of the Bolero Institute of Mexico.
Lugo concluded his welcoming remarks by thanking the diplomatic mission in Cuba, especially the Mexican ambassador to the island, Miguel Díaz Reynoso.
Thanks to all who admire the common denominator of Mexicans and Cubans: Armando Manzanero, the executive added.
The diplomat responded to the audience’s applause and spoke of the unity between the peoples “of the two shores united by the Gulf of Mexico.”
The artistic performance began with the strains of “Te extraño” and “Esta tarde vi llover” (I Miss You) and “Esta tarde vi llover” (This Afternoon I Saw It Rain), performed by the Cuban Radio and Television Orchestra under the direction of maestro Miguel Patterson, accompanied by the choirs of both media outlets.
“Contigo aprendí” was included as a poem by Manzanero’s co-author, Pérez Sabido, who recalled details of his life, including when he met his friend and partner in romantic compositions.
From Cuba, Beatriz Márquez, Sergio Farías, Vania Borges, Waldo Mendoza, Karel Bartutis and Haila María Mompié lit up the stage.
While artists from the neighboring country arrived, such as Aranza – who already visited Cuba in 2018 when Manzanero offered a single concert on the island -, Carlos Cuevas, Alejandra Ávalos, Laura Flores, Los Miranda and Marco Antonio del Muro.
Among the songs performed were unforgettable pieces such as “Contigo aprendí” (I Learned with You); “Esperaré” (I Will Wait); “Señor amor” (Lord Love); “Somos novios” (We Are Boyfriends); “Yo soy no tu amigo” (I Am Not Your Friend); “Felicidad” (Happiness); “To the One Who Lives with You.”
A repertoire full of nostalgia, which also included the songs “Parece que fue ayer” (It Seems Like It Was Yesterday), performed by Cuban Farías, owner of a powerful voice and to whom the audience requested another song.
Hayla María Mompié capped the concert with the song “Me vuelves loca” (You Make Me Crazy), ending with a medley after introducing the team of artists; melodies such as “Por debajo de la mesa” (Under the Table), “Esta tarde vi llover” (This Afternoon I Saw It Rain), “Entre tú y yo” (Between You and Me), and “Nosotros” (Under the Table) brought the tribute to the little giant of romantic song, Armando Manzanero, to a close.
lam/dpm
