MIAMI, United States. – Cuban trumpeter Arturo Sandoval was awarded this Sunday with the Kennedy Center medal, one of the highest cultural honors in the United States. A day before, on Saturday at the State Department, the Cuban musician interpreted God Bless Americathe famous piece written by Irving Berlin in 1918, and caused those present to stand and applaud him.
In the 47th edition of its honorary awards, the Kennedy Center also recognized, along with Sandoval, the legendary film director Francis Ford Coppola, the American band Grateful Dead, the guitarist and singer Bonnie Raitt and the historic New York cultural institution Teatro Apollo.
Before the medal presentation, President Joe Biden praised each of the awardees in a ceremony at the White House. Regarding Sandoval, the president highlighted his 33 albums, 10 Grammy awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which he received in 2013. “Arturo’s story is the history of the United States. “A nation of immigrants and dreamers, a nation of freedom,” Biden said..
Sandoval himself, a 74-year-old native of Artemisa, had described this distinction as an “extraordinary” achievement in his artistic career after the Kennedy Center’s initial announcement in June.
“I am deeply honored and humbly grateful to receive this prestigious recognition from the Kennedy Center Honors,” express. “This recognition is an extraordinary milestone in my career and a testament to the support and encouragement I have received from my family, friends, colleagues and fans. Throughout my career, I have tried to create, perform and inspire with passion and integrity. “Being recognized by such an esteemed institution validates my efforts and motivates me to continue pushing the limits of my art,” he said.
At that time, David M. Rubenstein, president of the Kennedy Center, also highlighted Sandoval’s influence on American culture: “Arturo Sandoval has transcended literal borders coming from Cuba more than 30 years ago and today he continues to unite cultures with his intoxicating mix of Afro-Cuban rhythms and modern jazz.”
Sandoval, recognized for his exceptional skill on the trumpet and flugelhorn, is also a dynamic pianist, percussionist and vocalist. His versatility and ability to combine diverse musical styles, including jazz, classical and Latin music, have cemented his position as one of the most respected and admired musicians in his field.
The Cuban artist has also been awarded six Billboard awards, an Emmy and a Grammy for his career.
In its announcement last June, The Kennedy Center remembered the “remarkable life story” of Sandoval, who “overcame political oppression in Cuba and found success on the international stage.”
“Although opinions on who is ‘the best’ trumpet player in the world may vary depending on personal preferences and criteria, Arturo Sandoval is undoubtedly among the most respected and admired musicians in his field,” the institution stated.
“He is, without a doubt, one of the greatest artists in the world, having been seen by millions of people performing live at the Oscars, the Grammys, the White House and at the industry’s most prestigious performing arts centers and festivals around the world. world,” concluded The Kennedy Center.
