Honorary Doctor Degree from ISA Awarded to Salomón Gadles Mikowsky

May 25, 2019

The University of the Arts (ISA) presented yesterday the Doctor Honoris Causa in Art to pianist and pedagogue Salomón Gadles Mikowsky, an award he received from the hands of Alexis Seijo, Rector of the prestigious House of Higher Studies

The University of the Arts (ISA) presented the title of Doctor Honoris Causa in Art to pianist and pedagogue Salomón Gadles Mikowsky, an award he received from the hands of Alexis Seijo, Rector of the prestigious House of Higher Studies. According to what was reported by the digital site La Jiribilla, of the Ministry of Culture, upon receiving the important recognition, Gadles Mikowsky stated: "I have received two previous Honorary Doctorates, but this is the most important because of my respect for Cuban culture. I feel pride in Cuba's cultural level."

During the presentation ceremony, whose opening remarks were made by Silvio Rodríguez, the maestro referred to all those essential names in his life and work that in one way or another connect him to Cuba. Among that endless list of names that the grateful usually remember in moments like this, are Mirian Escudero, Guido López Gavilán and Eusebio Leal Spengler.

Born in Havana on March 10, 1936, Salomón Gadles Mikowsky studied music in Cuba with Luis Pastoret, Argeliers León and César Pérez Sentenat. In 1955 he left for New York, and there he studied with Cuban pianist Santos Ojeda. In 1956 he was awarded the Juilliard School scholarship, from which he graduated with the titles of Bachelor and Master of Science. In 1967 he entered Columbia University to pursue a doctorate in music. He completed it in 1973, with the titles of Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree.

He is a scholar of the origins and development of 19th century Cuban dance, especially that of maestro Ignacio Cervantes.

He is currently a pianist and professor at the Manhattan School of Music in New York and the Chicago College of Performing Arts. In Cuba he promotes the gathering of young pianists together with Eusebio Leal and the Esteban Salas Musical Heritage Cabinet, of the Office of the Historian of Havana.

The presentation ceremony of the Doctor Honoris Causa in Art of the ISA to Salomón Gadles Mikowsky was also attended by Kenelma Carvajal, vice minister of culture; Marta Bonet, President of the Cuban Institute of Music; maestro Guido López Gavilán, professors and students.