Miami, Oct. 20, 2023 – Miami Dade College’s (MDC) Koubek Center presents An Homage to Dulce María Loynaz, an exciting new production honoring a titan of Cuban literature, which brilliantly pairs her poetry with the music of two of Cuba’s greatest composers, Ernesto Lecuona and José White Lafitte. The performance will take place on Sunday, Dec. 10, at 3 p.m. and is presented in partnership with Miami Book Fair. This event will be in Spanish.
Loynaz, considered one of the principal figures of Cuban literature, was the recipient of more than 15 literary awards, including the 1992 Miguel de Cervantes Prize. The Prize is bestowed annually to honor the lifetime achievement of an outstanding writer of the Spanish language and is considered the most prestigious prize one can receive for Spanish literature. The tribute will pair her poetry with the music of Lecuona, known as “The Cuban Gershwin,” and White Lafitte, the famed Afro-Cuban violinist. Together, the lyricism of Loynaz’s poetry (performed as spoken word) and music of Lecuona and White Lafitte create a perfect union and mesmerizing performance.
“Located in the heart of Little Havana, the Koubek Center is a fitting venue to celebrate Dulce María Loynaz and her contributions to Cuban literature. I look forward to opening the Center’s doors to the entire community and hosting this homage, which will inspire, inform and entertain,” said María Carla Chicuén, Executive Director of Cultural Affairs.
The audience will enjoy Lecuona’s composition “Dame tus rosas” (“Give Me Your Roses”), which was inspired by her poem, “Rosas,” as they will with White Lafitte’s composition, “La bellaCubana,” and her poem “CXXIV a la Isla de Cuba,” to name a few of the symbiotic poetry and music pieces that will be paired and performed.
Executive Producer Mónica Santibanez is a longtime admirer of Loynaz and was introduced to her work by her mother, to whom she dedicates this production. Master of ceremonies Viviam Maria López will guide the audience through the program. Celebrated actress Marilyn Romero will perform the poetry reading and musical interpretations are by Voices of Miami Choir, under the direction of Greisel Domínguez, featuring soprano Laura de Mare and tenor Carlos Silva. They will be accompanied by pianist Evita Garrucho. The performance is overseen by artistic director Marco Casanova.
Executive Producer: Mónica Santibanez
Artistic Director : Marco Casanova
Musical Director: Greisel Dominguez, Founder and Artistic Director, Voices of Miami
Actress: Marilyn Romero
Soprano: Laura de Mare
Tenor: Carlos Silva
Pianist: Eva Garrucho
Master of Ceremonies: Viviam M. López
Voices of Miami Chorus
WHAT: An Homage to Dulce María Loynaz, a multidisciplinary tribute to the legendary Cuban writer and the island’s rich, enduring cultural legacy.
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 10 at 3 p.m.
WHERE: Miami Dade College’s Koubek Center Theater
2705 S.W. 3rd St. Miami, FL 33135
Tickets: This event is open to the public. Reserve your FREE tickets at www.koubekcenter.org.
About Koubek Center:
A South Florida landmark with a long and rich history as a cultural hub, The Koubek Center is dedicated to building community through the arts. Over the past several decades, the Center has offered a variety of activities, including workshops, art exhibitions, theater performances, literary readings, and concerts. It is a place for artists and local arts organizations to explore and experiment, engage in collaborations and share their work with the community. The Koubek Center includes a 200-seat theater, an expansive garden, classrooms, rehearsal, and multi-use spaces. Built in 1929 by Austrian trader John J. Koubek as a gift to his wife, it was later donated to the University of Miami and acquired by Miami Dade College in 2011. For more information, visit www.koubekcenter.org.
Miami Dade College is an equal access/equal opportunity institution that does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, marital status, age, religion, national origin, disability, veteran’s status, ethnicity, pregnancy, sexual orientation or genetic information. Additional information may be obtained by contacting the College’s Equity Officer: Dr. Joy C. Ruff by phone at (305) 237-2577 (Voice) or 711 (Relay Service) or by email at jruff@mdc.edu.
About Voices of Miami:
Voices of Miami was created to promote and preserve musical genres by providing a forum where artists of all levels can perform, grow in their discipline, and provide the community with educational and enriching interchanges. Voices of Miami, Inc. is a corporation emerging from the vast music education and experience of Greisel Domínguez, Marilín Cruz and Aimée Fiuza. The three co-founders have launched a common effort to promote and preserve musical genres creating a forum where artists can gain growth in their art, and provide music educational opportunities for the community through performances, workshops, and conferences.
Event Contact: Mónica Santibanez, executive producer, 786-942-3236, monisant@bellsouth.net