A delegation from the Venezuelan music project Corazón Llanero - an initiative by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro - performed for the first time in Cuba, on Sunday, August 14 in Havana’s Karl Marx Theater in honor of the leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro’s 90th birthday.
 
The group includes talented singers such as Cristóbal Jiménez, Vidal Colmenares, Santiago Rojas and Mayra Castellanos, with a special appearance by harpist, the young Raider Alvarado and dancer Daniel Cabrera, among others.
 
A press release from the Venezuelan Embassy in Cuba reported that Lieutenant Juan Escalona, aide to President Nicolás Maduro, is the director of “Corazón Llanero” project. The group’s debut international performance in Cuba was broadcast by Tv cubana, TVES, TELESUR and TVES.
 
Numbers featured within its repertory included La leyenda de Florentino y el diablo a popular Venezuelan folk tale of which there exist 35 versions.
 
The performance also included the joropo llanero a typical Venezuelan music and dance style, originating from the mid-1700s.
 
Former Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, was a avid supporter of the genre given his humble roots, born in the small town of Barines on the Venezuelan plains. His favorite songs included “Motivos Llaneros,” composed by Ángel Ávila and recorded by Eneas Perdomo.
 
Cuban son fused with other genres also formed part of the cultural gala repertory in homage to Fidel on his 90th birthday.