The composer, arranger and performer Cesar “Pupy” Pedroso, with veteran singer Adriano Rodriguez, received the highest award of Cuban music in 2013 for their contributions to the culture of the Caribbean nation, according to official sources.
Although the formal award ceremony will happen soon, a concert of popular dance music and one for the classical genre are already being organized to entertain the honorees.
Chaired by Juan Formell and made up by Digna Guerra, Adalberto Álvarez, Alfredo Diez Nieto and Frank Fernandez, the jury decided to share the National Music Prize 2013 between the two artists for the professionalism and dedication with they have enriched the musical heritage of the archipelago.
A foundational work for 32 years in the Van Van orchestra as a composer (hits as como Temba, tumba, timba, Eso está bueno, El negro está cocinando, etc.), the arranger and keyboardist, besides his work in the last decade as director of the Los que son son orchestra, is the work of Puppy at the scene of popular dance music inside and outside Cuba.
Speaking to Granma newspaper, Juan Formell explained that Pedroso gives prestige to this musical genre, one of those figures that give luster to the culture of the island in general. He confessed also how essential the performance of Pupy within Van Van proved, why that decision to form a separate group itself was difficult and successful at the same time, it showed his creative maturity.
It was just the recognition to nonagenarian singer Adriano Rodriguez, who with his acting versatility has participated in historical stages of Cuban music to illustrate lectures by Don Fernando Ortiz, being a significant part of cabarets staffs in the middle of last century, singing a duet with Mercedita Valdés Paulina Alvarez, Barbarito Diez and Sindo Garay, recording discs with Pablo Milanes and Silvio Rodriguez, and integrate the National Choir.
Among recent works by Adriano Rodríguez excels the project with musician Edesio Alejandro to record the disc La Voz del Diablo Ilustrado. His baritone has allowed this man to stand out in the Cuban trova. He is the holder of the Distinction for National Culture and the Alejo Carpentier Medal, Rand includes this latest award among the recognitions that grants his country to such a fruitful artistic life.
