BUAZ Presents Posthumous Honoris Causa Doctorate to Pablo Milanés

October 28, 2024

Authorities of the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas (BUAZ) presented the posthumous Honoris Causa Doctorate to Pablo Milanés Arias, a Cuban-born singer-songwriter who recently passed away, in recognition of his artistic trajectory and work: his daughter, Haydée Milanés, received the distinction this Saturday, following a concert held at the Fernando Calderón theater, in the state capital.

It is worth recalling that the Honor and Merit Commission of the University Council, the highest governing body of BUAZ, ruled in September 2022 to award the Honoris Causa Doctorate to what they considered one of the most important and emblematic figures in Ibero-American music and who positioned himself as an essential singer-songwriter in the musical history of the 20th century in the Spanish language.

However, this recognition could not be presented to him during his lifetime, which is why the distinction was presented to his daughter Haydée Milanés, after she offered a duet concert with pianist Glenda del Monte.

"The university considers and recognizes his incomparable talent, transforming the humble spoken word into art of invaluable worth and who, through his various performances in Zacatecan lands, has been one of the greatest exponents of universal troubadour music and solidarity with just causes, always defending the vulnerable. Unfortunately, Pablo left us just over a month before receiving this well-deserved recognition, but today we have the privilege of honoring his legacy through Haydée," expressed rector Rubén Ibarra Reyes.

He detailed that, for his part, there is an important connection with Cuba that goes back many years, due to his studies and collaboration with the University of La Habana. "My father is a graduate of that institution and I myself have studied and worked closely with them. I have known Haydée for some time and it fills me with satisfaction to have her today in Zacatecas."

In this regard, he reaffirmed his commitment to the promotion of culture, which has been a central axis during his administration, as this is a primary element in the daily work of the university.

Ibarra Reyes announced that BUAZ will continue to strengthen its cultural ties with Cuba and will soon announce more activities, including a concert in collaboration with the University Symphony Orchestra, which will feature the participation of another Cuban artist.

For her part, Haydée Milanés expressed that, for her, "it is a great honor to receive this recognition on behalf of my father, who always felt a deep love for the Mexican people."

The concert titled "Estelas," was characterized by being a historical account of Cuban and Mexican troubadour and composition traditions, highlighting works such as "Ámame como soy" by Pablo Milanés, "Tú y yo" by Haydée Milanés, "Habáname" by Carlos Varela, and "La llorona."