Music in Havana

The capital of all Cubans has become a plural city over the centuries, a city where the cultural and artistic component define it in every corner.

Cuba es gratamente conocida por la calidad de sus músicos. El son y la rumba, por ejemplo, pueden disfrutarse en la Casa de la Rumba, or in the Callejón de Hamel, where Cuban dancers practice to the beat of the batá drums. When you think of Cuba, a fun culture of sociable and dancing people usually comes to mind. Because dance is something that characterizes the Cuban, its flavor and its more traditional rhythms have transcended borders.

Those looking to dance salsa and enjoy the rhythm of son will enjoy the Taberna de Benny Moré , one of the classic places to dance "son montuno". The place is specially dedicated to the famous Cuban musician Benny More, having non stop musical groups and dancers that liven up the atmosphere. Classical ballet lovers can enjoy the Gran Teatro de La Habana as an excellent opportunity to attend a ballet play, as they are periodically performed; However, the most important event dedicated to ballet in Cuba is the International «Alicia Alonso» Ballet Festival of Habana.

We will start our musical route through the Museo Nacional de la Música, which hosts the history of this artistic manifestation on the island from the 16th to the 20th century. We will discover its collections, where folkloric musical instruments, rare instruments, scores of fundamental pieces of the country, musical machines and masterpieces are stored. Its funds range from the prehistory of Cuban musical development, with relevant samples of African cultures that influenced the formation of Creole nationality and idiosyncrasy. There, we can see music boxes, old phonographs, African drums, or a lot of cassettes and metal and pasta discs.

Then, we will move to the Amadeo Roldán Conservatory of Music, where we will have the opportunity to meet one of the music academies in Cuba, which is considered as a turning point for more than a century regarding music teaching as well as musical practice for composers, performers, theorists and musical pedagogues. In the Conservatory we will take an inside look into the features of the teaching of music in Cuba, we can talk with several of their teachers and students and take part in a class.

Next, we will enjoy a rehearsal of a group of young Cuban musicians in a private music studio. They perform innovative and risky sounds (for the Cuban standard), by merging rhythms, instruments and working with passion and dedication. During this rehearsal, we can not only enjoy the sounds and dialogue with the musicians ... moving your body is also mandatory!

Later it will be the ideal time to enjoy a coffee or cocktail in the Submarino Amarillo, just across John Lennon park. Tras visitar la estatua dedicada al músico más mediático de los Beatles, entraremos a este “submarino” habanero para deleitarnos visual y sonoramente en un espacio recreado para rendir homenaje a la banda inglesa, que fuera en Cuba tan popular como polémica. Allí podremos escuchar en vivo lo mejor de la música de los años 60´ en un ambiente que recrea a través del diseño, las luces y la ambientación la época de esplendor de The Beatles. Otro aspecto importante es que el Club se encuentra en el sótano de un edificio, lo que puede asociarse sensorialmente con un submarino.

During the tour, do not miss to visit:

Callejón de Hamel, where the rumba afternoon is celebrated every Sunday and we can dance to the rhythm of Afro-Cuban rhythms.

Centro Cultural El Gran Palenque, where the Conjunto Folklórico Nacional is presented every Saturday, with an exciting demonstration of Afro-Cuban rhythms and dances.

Jazz Club la Zorra y el Cuervo, in which the most underground jazz performers of the contemporary Cuban scene are presented every night.

Fábrica de Arte Cubano, multicultural space where good music, recorded or live, is the main ingredient.

Casa de la Música de Miramar, opened with a concert by the famous pianist Chucho Valdés, in 1994, it offers a billboard that includes the best salsa orchestras performing live.

La Casa de la Bombilla Verde, a charming bar where you can breathe a bohemian atmosphere and where you can enjoy Cuban trova live.

© Federico Reiners

El Delirio Habanero It is the ideal space for the romantics of son and the bolero. Every night musicians perform songs of this genre.

For lunch we will stop at a "paladar" where you can taste an excellent traditional Cuban fusion food.

We recommend:

• La Vítrola
• El cuarto de Tula
• El Decamerón
• Río Mar
• Atelier
• Habana Mía