Magical Cuban Night with José María Vitier in Enghien-les-Bains

November 11, 2023

The immersive show Noche Insular with a quartet of Cuban musicians directed by pianist José María Vitier delighted the audience today in the picturesque French town of Enghien-les-Bains, where virtuosity generated magic.

To the rhythm of jazz and accompanied by real-time images, the stage of the Arts Center of the municipality located on the outskirts of Paris captivated those present from the very first moment, and without hesitation they let themselves be swept away by a world of chords and melodies.

The compositions and piano of maestro Vitier, the extraordinary flute of Niurka González, the drums rendered vibrant by the vitality of Yaroldy Abreu and the exquisite double bass and percussion of Abel Acosta formed a sort of "dream team" that offered an opportunity of the kind that you take advantage of, because it comes only once in a lifetime.

Tempo Habanero, Bienaventuranzas, Danzón Imaginario, Tarde en la Habana and Ritual, among others, sounded adorned by images of the capital of the greatest of the Antilles, the rough sea, traditional Cuban dances and plays of light, in perfect harmony and bold exploration of human sensations and their relationship with nature.

It has been a novelty, I have always been putting music to images and now here in Enghien-les-Bains they have put images to my music, Vitier commented to Prensa Latina after the presentation, which ended with the audience on their feet and prolonged applause.

The acclaimed pianist thanked the authorities and representatives of the municipality and its Arts Center who made the show possible, and in particular Dominique Roland and Joan Giner for the conception and virtual set design and to the tireless cultural promoter Carmen Mayans.

He also had words of praise for the musicians and called it a celebration to share the stage with them.

To close the program the quartet played Oración por Cuba, but this time without the accompaniment of the images, so that, according to its composer, each person would think of their own.

Motivated by the reception and the clear signs that no one wanted to leave the place, Vitier delivered a dreamlike farewell, offering his piece written for the famous Cuban film Fresa y Chocolate, 30 years after its premiere.

I had the honor of putting the music to this film, which continues to be very important and does not lose its relevance, he stated.

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Enghien-les-Bains is part of the Unesco Creative Cities Network in the digital arts category, a space that in recent decades has had its doors open to various generations of Cuban artists, thanks to the work and dedication of people like Roland and Mayans.

Many have been the nights in the picturesque municipality bathed by a lake lived to the rhythm of the island's music, and today's is already undoubtedly one of the unforgettable ones.