"The Magic Flute" Habana style

Miercoles, 25 Febrero. Yesterday, Alan and I went to the National Symphony courtesy of Erasmito Lopez, the cousin of our close friend, Danny Merida. Erasmito is a flutist with the National Symphony. We had talked with him via telephone over the weekend and he invited us to a rehearsal of Mozart's "The Magic Flute," which is being premiered here this weekend. The symphony hall is a grand old building that could use some revitalizing but is still regal. It is clear that they are "cubanizing" the production as a guiro was added in the mix. A guiro is an idiophone that has survived from the indigenous civilizations. It is the long gourd that has ridges in it. It is hand held and played with a scraper. And the presentation is being sung in espanol. The symphony had plenty musicians of color - more than I have ever seen in the USA. The cast also included significant numbers of peoples of color.

We stayed for about 90 minutes of the rehearsal, and then asked if it was possible to bring our students back for the full dress rehearsal on Friday so they could experience 21st century Cuban music culture. We are awaiting an answer...I think it is going to happen. I then told the kids about it last night so they could decide about going - I cannot make it mandatory but explained that it would be a great opportunity for them. They are to give me their answers today.

Today I am giving s short rap on "Hiphop/rap and activism" at a session arranged by Alan. It is happening at 2pm in Old Habana (Habana viejo). Will give more about this later. I am going to link some of my presentation to the legacy of music and activism in Black culture throughout the western hemisphere...from caiso traditions of Trinidad to spirituals, blues and movement music of USA Blacks. Also I am referencing Tricia Rose's new book, "The Hip Hop Wars."

Oh yeah, I am giving a solo soprano saxophone concert on March 12, 4pm at Casa de Las Americas.