Renowned soprano Gladys Puig dies in La Habana

August 20, 2021

Cuban lyrical art is in mourning. In the early morning hours of August 19, one of its great exponents, maestro Gladys Puig, passed away at the age of 89.

Born in Havana on November 26, 1932, she inherited the musical legacy of her father Cheo Belén Puig, Orchestra Director.

She studied at the Municipal Conservatory of Havana, today Amadeo Roldán, and received her first singing lessons from the eminent soprano Zoila Gálvez, later traveling to Italy to perfect her technique with maestro Napoleone Annovazzi.

She was part of the Gonzalo Roig Artistic Group, the Experimental Opera Group, the casts of Pro Arte Musical until the creation of the National Lyrical Theater of Cuba, of which she was a founder.

Brilliant was her artistic career, in opera, operetta, Cuban and Spanish zarzuela, musical comedy, and television.

Notable interpretations from her repertoire include The Merry Widow, Luisa Fernanda, María la O, Cecilia Valdés, Lola Cruz, La esclava, Doña Francisquita, among many others.

An exceptionally distinguished singing professor, respected and beloved by all her students, she also directed numerous presentations by her students on the most varied stages.

Away from the stage, she interpreted the role of elderly Alcina in the opera of the same name, created for her and as a tribute from the Lyrical Theater to her extraordinary career.

She was the holder of the Alejo Carpentier medal and the Gitana Tropical distinction.