Humberto Estanislao Rodríguez Gainza and indispensable member of the Cuban traditional music septet Los Naranjos, has just turn a hundred years old. In this occasion, this culture personality was honored by his colleagues and the Music Provincial Center. Although he can´t see or hear he was able to say that Los Naranjos was a school for him, where he learned about solidarity, self-sacrifice and faith in the greatness of the Cuban music. "There were nice and sublime moments".
Humberto considers that other bands and groups should keep on protecting our musical heritage with some works that are almost unknown by the present generations. He was one of the organizers of the National Music Congress that was carried out during the 40s. He was also the union secretary during the Revolution and continued to be a sacrificed musician always ready for any task beyond the music.
He is very proud that this artistic institution founded in 1926 was presented a recognition as National Vanguard of the Culture Union during 11 years. he was also presented the Alejo Carpentier Medal, El Mambí Sureño and about a group of ten recognitions. What he remembers the most is the repertoire of 200 themes - seen today when the numbers are lesser - produced by "Los Naranjos" most of them sung by Humberto who would sing them with an imperishable melody made with the fibbers of immortality.
To the septet´s 90th anniversary
On April 3rd 2016 the band will celebrate its 90th anniversary. That´s why they will carry out a national tour on 2015 and have a new CD in post-production, Otilia Ceballos Mendoza, the director of the Music Provincial Center, said to CINCO de septiembre - the local newspaper.
Nowadays, "Los Naranjos" have two circles at the UNEAC´s Gardens and at the Minerva hall. However, other spaces are needed for their presentation in a national and international level. The 90s were their best period when they travelled to several nations and festivals. The group is directed by Bartolomé Abreu, Luis Martínez and Luis Ramos, the tres player Luis Brito; Giraldo Pérez playing the guitar; the drum player Feliciano Cárdenas and the bass player María del Carmen Rodríguez. Lázaro Sarría is the auxiliar.
(Taken from CINCO de Septiembre)
Translated by: Osmany Ortiz González (Azurina)