What music can spectators expect? This time it will be Latin jazz, flamenco and bolero. The 2003 album “Lágrimas Negras” by a Cuban singer and Spanish flamenco singer is a fusion of the two music genres. The pianist, composer and arranger is Bebo Valdés from Cuba. The critically acclaimed album was an international success.

 

Omara Portuondo - a Buena Vista Social Club singer - is a living legend of Cuban music. The artist hasn’t stopped touring or recording even though she will be celebrating her 86th birthday in October. She still has a unique voice and feel for Cuban rhythms.

 

It is hard to believe that her career began in the 1940s. with her first recordings were released in 1950s. Omara Portuondo enjoyed popularity and was admired all over the world even before the premiere of the "Buena Vista Social Club" (1996) album and Wim Wenders’ film with the same title, mainly thanks to the famous Cuban female singing quartet Cuarteto d'Aida.

 

The success of the film soundtrack gave her international recognition. The biggest hits of the album included her duets - "Silencio" with Ibrahim Ferrer and Veinte años” with Compay Segundo. In 2002, after a world tour with Buena Vista Social Club, the Cuban resumed her solo career and a year later she recorded her second solo album "Flor De Amor" (The Flower of Love). According to Omara’s fans, her voice sounds very subtle and sensuous on the new record.

 

No less than Omara Portuondo, the singer Diego El Cigala is an international star in the flamenco music style. Sometimes he is referred to as the Sinatra of flamenco. Paco de Lucia has described him as the most outstanding flamenco singer of our times. He has been nicknamed El Cigala by the legendary flamenco singer Camarón. The artist’s solo career has spanned two decades. His discography includes eight albums and a number of prestigious awards, including two Grammy and five Latin Grammy awards. On his two latest albums “Cigala & Tango” and “Romance de la Luna Tucumana” he skilfully mixes flamenco with tango, bolero and traditional Latin music.

 

More information about the event can be found on the Szczecin Music Fest website www.szczecinmusicfest.pl.

 

Tickets for Omara Portuondo and Diego El Cigala’s concert (PLN 140) are still available on  >> bilety.fm.

 

Other stars of the 13th Szczecin Music Fest the world music festival organized by koncerty.com:

 

Macy Gray - the courtyard of the Ducal Castle in Szczecin, July 27 at 20:00 >> bilety.fm

Katie Melua - Azoty Arena Hall , November 12 at 19:00  >> bilety.fm, www.eventim.pl

 

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