In Cuba artistic tribute to Pablo Milanés and Elena Burke

March 13, 2023

Renowned voices from various generations paid tribute in Havana at a concert to the unforgettable Cuban artists Pablo Milanés and Elena Burke, icons of song.

At the National Theater, in the Covarrubias hall, Hayla Mompie, Geidy Chapman, Idra María and her Group, Leonor Zayas, Idania Valdés, Anais Abreu and Rosalia Arnaes performed, among other artists who revived songs popularized by Pablo and Elena.

The artists dedicated three tribute concerts under the general direction of maestro Santiago Alfonso, whose dance company also enlivened the presentations, according to what the National Theater disclosed.

Pablo Milanés (1943-2022) was a singer-songwriter and founder of the Nueva Trova Cubana and one of the most recognized voices in Spanish-language song.

His work, characterized by poetic and profound lyrics, possesses great influence from filin and as a creator and performer he exploited almost all genres of Cuban popular music and Latin America.

Worldwide, many songs of his authorship are famous such as Yolanda, El breve espacio en que no estas, Amo esta isla and Para vivir.

Elena Burke (1928-2002) was also a beloved singer in Cuba and possessed an extensive repertoire of songs and genres such as boleros, beat, pop, son, romantic ballads and filin, among others.

She stood out in the musical landscape for her versatility and the very personal way she performed songs, and she distinguished filin by enhancing it with her powerful contralto voice that contrasted with her bittersweet intonation.

According to experts, Elena did not study singing, nor did she even read music, but she was born with a star: her immense natural talent and her magical voice that earned her the title of La Señora Sentimiento.

She performed several songs by Pablo, but the incomparable cadence that enchanted audiences when singing Ámame como soy remains unforgettable to the public.