Silvio Rodriguez Praises Album by José Maria Vitier

(Prensa Latina – Cumbancha) Havana, Cuba – Silvio Rodriguez
said Thursday that the album Misa Cubana (Cuban Mass) by José Maria Vitier is essential because
it fills a void in Cuban music production by honoring the Cuban patron saint, "Virgen
de la Caridad del Cobre" (Our Lady of Charity). "The history of our music was
missing a work like this," stated the singer-songwriter, considered the top
figure of the Cuban New Trova. "I feel very proud of having been part of the
project," he added.

The Armadores de Santander Hotel in Old Havana, a UNESCO
World Heritage site, was the venue for the presentation of Misa Cubana recorded
on the label of the City Historian´s Office, and Imagenes, La Habana (Havana
Images) 1972, performed and produced by José Maria Vitier, for Colibri recording
company. Son of Cuban essayist and poet Cintio Vitier (Juan Rulfo Award 2003)
and poetess Fina Garcia Marruz, both former members of the literary group
Orígenes lead by writer Jose Lezama Lima, José Maria Vitier stated that this
recorded version of Misa Cubana is the one that pleases him the most. He said
the main reasons are the appearance of guest musicians such as Silvio Rodriguez
and soprano Maria Felicia Perez, the finished orchestration work and the
inclusion of Schubert´s Ave Maria, sung by Barbara Llanes.

Profits from the album´s sale will be destined to restoration projects in Old Havana, Vitier
revealed. Famous for his film scores, the composer also highlighted details
about Imagenes, La Habana, the second album presented, which he classified as
autobiographical.