# Ernesto Cardenal Prize, from Escritores por la Tierra, Awarded to Cecilio Tieles

**Date:** 04/28/2020

The renowned Cuban pianist and pedagogue, doctor Cecilio Tieles Ferrer, has been honored with the Ernesto Cardenal Recognition Award from RIET, which in its first edition has just been awarded to him by Mare Terra Fundació Mediterrània, of Tarragona, Spain.

This distinction pays homage to the recently deceased writer and honorary president of RIET (International Network of Writers for the Earth), Ernesto Cardenal.

According to the organizers, the award is given to him for his tireless artistic work, research, creation and dissemination of music throughout the world, empowering Ibero-American musical culture and bringing together professionals to create synergies.

A living example that music has no borders, they assure, Cecilio has created bridges between Cuba and Catalunya by researching musical genres that share origins and trajectories, such as the habanera, and they note that he receives it also as recognition for his work as a teacher and director in our territory, increasing the prestige of academic music centers in Vila-Seca and Barcelona.

"I feel very honored with the Award-Recognition from the International Network of Writers for the Earth, which bears the name of the excellent poet and fighter for social justice in Our America, Ernesto Cardenal; furthermore, I am the first to receive it," Cecilio told Granma from Spain.

"I also thank Mare Terra Fundació Mediterrània for the honor of awarding me this prize. This award is also for all the colleagues and friends who helped me achieve one of my objectives: to make Cuban culture known in Spain and Spanish culture in Cuba, as well as to strengthen the fraternal ties that unite our peoples."

The musician took the opportunity to send us his message of encouragement to the people of Cuba: "In these moments that we suffer this pandemic, I am sure that our people will come out victorious once more; with all the strength and will it has to overcome it. A heartfelt round of applause of admiration and respect for all health care professionals who are an example of dedication and discipline and who demonstrate the heroism that characterizes them and are an example to the world."

"As for me, I came to Spain for three weeks to give concerts and master classes and the day before the concert in Barcelona quarantine was declared. Since March 15, I have been confined to my son's house. We deeply regret the loss of human lives both of patients and health care personnel, but the Spanish population is demonstrating discipline while locked in their homes. This April 26 begins a slow de-escalation with children going out for one hour. I don't hide that I wish to return to my Homeland as soon as possible, but what we must do now is: stay at home!"

The presentation of this high honor will take place in September during the twenty-sixth edition of the Premis Ones Mediterrània 2020, which was to be held in June but has been postponed due to coronavirus.

The Premis Ones Mediterrània aims to recognize and publicize the work and projects of individuals and institutions that promote actions for the preservation of the environment, in defense of human rights, that foster culture and solidarity, and that encourage social development.