The American pianists associations have endorsed the Cuban pianist Álvaro Dávila as a pianist of international recognition, saying he has mastered the technique in his lifetime.
The association, known for its role in orchestrating concerts around the world, praised the Cuban composer as an “extraordinary musician who has been playing piano for nearly 70 years and whose music has been used in more than 1,000 films.”
The association says it is the first time the association has endorsed a Cuban pianists.
Dávola’s father, Carlos, a Cuban-born pianist and singer, was one of the founding members of the orchestra, which he founded in the 1970s.
His son, Ariel de Chosa, has been instrumental in establishing Cuba’s largest international orchestra, the Cina de La Gua, since it opened in 2007.
Cuban pianos have a long and rich history.
The first piano was made by Pedro da Rocha in Cuba in 1874, according to the American pianist association.
His brother Pedro, who died in 2009, played a string of Cuban music for generations.
The Dávilsons first concert, which was held in 1959, was in Havana.
The concert attracted many world stars, including George Harrison, John Lennon, Stevie Wonder and Stevie Nicks.
Cuban President Raúl Castro, who has said he hopes to have a concert in Havana before the end of the year, has long touted Dáveras accomplishments.
