The Office of the Conservator of the City of Matanzas (OCCM) became the scene of cultural exchange between Cuban and Italian musicians with the project “Cultural Harmonies. Musical dialogue between Italy and Cuba”which brings together the Cuban Swing Jazz Band and the EtnoMuSa Orchestra of the Sapienza Università di Roma.
For several days, the young Cuban and Italian musicians have shared learning experiences, touring historical sites in the city, talking with local artists and preparing a joint concert that will be held tomorrow, October 9, in the courtyard of the OCCM.
The repertoire will include Cuban folklore classics and traditional Italian pieces, evoking the cultural richness of both countries, said the Cuban News Agency.
The project is part of Creative Zones, cultural cooperation initiative promoted by the Italian Development Cooperation Agency and implemented by the NGO Arcs Culture Solidali, which seeks to link historical heritage with artistic training and local development.
Marco Boriglione, responsible for the project, highlighted that the experience seeks to strengthen the links between cultural industries and territory, offering young musicians spaces for shared creation and inspiration in local traditions.
Francesco Berrafato, director of EtnoMuSa, described the exchange as an “intense and fraternal” experience, marked by generosity and enthusiasm.
For his part, Bruno Villalonga, director of the Cuban Swing Jazz Band, highlighted the maturity with which the students take on the challenge of sharing the stage with foreign musicians.
Villalonga added that this meeting coincides with the 12 years of artistic work of the Jazz Band, reaffirming its educational vocation and its commitment to project a message of unity and hope through music from Matanzas.
