Van Van founder flautist dies

January 20, 2020

Orlando Cantó, founder of the Van Van orchestra, died Friday in Havana at the age of 82, as announced by the group on its social networks.

"On behalf of all the members of Van Van, our followers and Maestro Juan Formell, wherever he may be, our deepest condolences to all his friends and family," reads a statement published Friday night.

The orchestra's note specified that Cantó's remains were laid in state at the Marianao funeral home, and his funeral was scheduled for Saturday the 18th at 8:00 in the morning.

Nicknamed by legendary singer Pedrito Calvo as "The old pier" and "Head Flute," Cantó was part of Cuba's most famous orchestra since its founding in 1969, and remained with it until 1995.

"Born on August 19, 1937, with an extensive musical career, he was part of the orchestras Transformación, Riviera and Revé's orchestra, from which he joined Los Van Van with Juan Formell," the statement details.

In the mid-nineties, the flutist retired, but maintained "excellent relations" with all the members of the group, "especially with Maestro Juan Formell, of whom he was an excellent friend"

After '95, Cantó released several solo albums, some of them titled El Swing del viejo Espigón and Descarga Bailable, these were described as an "authentic demonstration of his virtuosity on the flute with a format closer to Cuban-Jazz".

He also launched "Sigo siendo un Van Van," an album on which he worked with singers Tirso Duarte (ex Charanga Habanera, NG La Banda, Pupy y los que Son); Mandy "Charanga" Cantero (Pupy y los que Son, Charanga Forever); Ricardo Morales (Orquesta Revé, Havana City); Barbarito López (Sonora Gloria Matancera) and José Miguel Meléndez (Irakere).