He hummed Bonito y sabroso, by Benny More, and said he brings good memories. He also sang Los aretes que le falta a la luna, by Vicentino Valdés; said that sounded like Cuba, to that so marked musicality in this Island, which he also felt in Celia Cruz, Juana Bacallao and Francisco Céspedes- whom he considers a great in Romantic music.
Alvaro Torres (Usulutan, El Salvador, 1954) then decided to check two of the reasons that more motivated him to come to Cuba. “I wanted to see if it was true that my songs were so popular here” and meet with many of those whom he listened to on Salvadoran radio.
In couple of opportunities he toured the Caribbean island, to strengthen ties with the children of this land, until Tuesday he came with his suitcases to Havana with his group, ready to offer 2 unforgettable concerts on 13 and 14, in the Lázaro Peña Theater, whose seats are already sold, it is said.
Torres’s visit is the result of a cultural exchange project between El Salvador and Cuba, which has also resulted in the presence of the Brisas del Palmar septet in the Central American nation.
Torres thanked everyone “for giving me the opportunity to sing my songs, songs that were born over decades and have been part of the essence of who I am.”
He said this Tuesday, on his arrival at Havana’s Melia Cohiba Hotel that his music is full of personal experiences. They are “spontaneous stories that arise” and that he will offer to the consideration of the Cuban public in a brief summary of his career.
Although he clarified that his latest album is titled Another life, is not ready yet as only two songs have been released. However, in Havana he will review “of all those songs that you know, that you have returned to me, in a single experience of marked affection, appreciation and love.
“(Performing) with the Symphonic Orchestra is a luxury, a treat. What more can I ask for? They are the first 28 stands of the orchestra and it is a privilege I never dreamed of, but it is a wonder that they have given it to me. I am excited about that and I hope to enjoy the talents of all the maestros. “
It took three years to realize this performance, but he is not sorry at all. “I thought I was the ultimate romantic, but really you have won me the battle,” he said.
When asked by reporters about the impact in some media in Miami, his performance in Havana in a worker’s theater in Cuba , Álvaro hummed one of his most successful songs , dating from 2001 : It is gonna hurt, sooner or later you’ll see what you get … then he asked : ” what change could I practice on each of my songs ? That’s my speech, my love songs are already in the hearts of the people, already exist. I think the reaction would be of joy, thankfulness, because my songs have been the soundtrack to millions of Cubans, both those who live here, and those who live anywhere in the world.
“So my hope is that contrary to condemn a mission, they will thank me, because my songs have been therapeutic, medicinal, for the hearts of the people. It is a service I have given through them. “
Torres confessed that although he has recorded salsa, merengue and vallenato to approach the new generations, his is romantic music. “I stay with my own things, which is music to deliver the best for the other person, the promise of a life together,” he said. He also noted that most of the band members are Cubans, because ours “is a strong culture that has influenced not only me, but many Latin American artists.”
With a sold-out Lázaro Peña theater, there are many who asked Alvaro Torres about the possibility of a massive concert in Cuba. “Actually for me it would be the glory, to bring my show as my song says, from “end to end “all over the island of Cuba. It would be wonderful if I had that opportunity, the privilege. Hopefully, because I’m anxious. After that I can die in peace. Then I can return the tribute that for decades, even without knowing each other, they were offering me. “
Author
Yelanys Hernández Fusté
