The Cuban composer, arranger and violinist Enrique Álvarez died in the early hours of this Monday, in Havana, reported the Cuban Institute of Music (ICM).
Álvarez was the creator of Charanga Latina in 1992, according to the note also shared on the social networks of the Artistic Representations Agency and Clave Cubana Artex.
Born in Camagüey, on September 10, 1952, Álvarez studied at the National School of Art, with the French professor Marivonne Drobahce, graduating from Viola.
In the early hours of this November 24, 2025, the teacher and notable Cuban violinist, Enrique Álvarez, composer, arranger and creator in 1992, of his Orchestra, Charanga Latina, died in Havana.
Our deepest condolences pic.twitter.com/SxXss0cFPt— Artex Artistic and Literary Promotions.Cuba (@Artex_artecuba) November 24, 2025
His career includes performances as first violin of the National Symphony Orchestra, the Camagüey Symphony Orchestra as well as collaborations with the orchestras of Elio Revé and Richard Egües, the Charanga of Guillermo Rubalcaba and the Maravilla orchestras of Florida and America.
Enrique Álvarez was part of a family of great and prestigious musicians in which his father, Nené Álvarez, and his brother Adalberto Álvarez stand out.
The Institute of Music emphasizes that since 1992 he created his own orchestra, Charanga Latina, in addition to giving prestige to his instrument within Cuban popular music, he occupied the first places of popular acceptance with his songs, which made and make several generations of Cubans dance.
His career is backed by national and international awards and tours, an extensive discography, recognition from Cuban and other musicians, as well as the admiration and respect of his people.
Alvarez, the ICM points out, was an artist with a “high sense of Cubanness, defender and faithful exponent of Cuban music, whose passionate dedication to the art of sounds made him occupy a meritorious place in Cuban musical history and culture.”
The ICM points out that, by family decision, his body will be laid to rest in a private ceremony.
