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Camerata Romeu: Classical Music, Cuban Son, and Other Delights

12 September, 2011 11:20:00 Marisol Arias

Photo By Marisol Arias

I must confess: when I read there was a concert of European chamber music and saw that the repertoire included Latin American compositions, specifically Cuban, I fell for it. It is difficult to imagine music that makes us move our bodies and enjoy the rhythmic Latin American musical treasure, with the refined technique and the sublime nuances of European tradition. I'm not saying that it is impossible to merge our enormous musical wealth with the European one; in fact there are many quality proposals, but few have been able to amalgamate the European musical perfection with the refreshing Latin American composition. Camerata Romeu succeeds in doing it. His interpretations combine the vast and extraordinary music making of Europe to them it his own with a Cuban accent that, in words of its conductor Zeneida Romeu, "transcends folk music, the best known, to incorporate other genres." I sort of reaffirmed it when The Camerata began the concert of "Cuban Music for String Orchestra." They presented "La Bella Cubana" by Jose White Lafitte and "On the Age of Enlightenment" by Jose Maria Vitier. Then, they transmuted into the notes of the Cuban son, the Danson and even new Latin American trova, calling upon Silvio Rodriguez and his "Te Amaré" (I’ll love you), arranged by Zeneida Romeu, which stirred the emotions of the audience, who collaborated with the natural and musical show offered in a unique setting such as Las Palapas in Hacienda Pinilla. The exquisite interpretation by the 15 members, all women, including the Conductor, Camerata Romeu, showed their intense hours of effort and dedication. This was also clear when you could see them reading the scores they have memorized... and I would say feel... The flavor of this music is spiced up by “Manicero" (Peanut Vendor), a rhythm both Cuban and international, an insatiable rhythm that makes you dance and spreads contagiously throughout the audience. It was a high-quality, ambitious show of The Credomatic Music Festival that the whole audience enjoyed, due to its masterful technique, repertory and that flavor we all have tasted and want to keep. Credomatic Music Festival in its 11^th edition manages to stage world class events, thanks to the contribution of sponsors who believe in the strengthening of the cultural agenda. This festival has changed the music scene as the music comes to people and communities that otherwise could not access such an artistic level. "We love to support culture. Development without culture is not development," said Mauricio Estrada, General Manager of Hacienda Pinilla. Recipe for music with Cuban son Ingredients: Talent, effort, quality and a unique repertoirePreparation: Mix ingredients and serve in a large bowl.How to taste: No restrictions, Zeneida Romeu: showing the Voice of America "She leads with one hand and removes barriers with the other". That is how Ivan Camilo Ferrera, Manager of the Orchestra Camerata Romeu, described the musical work and the challenges Zeneida Romeu has had to face in her native Cuba as choir and orchestra conductor. Actually, following the path of music was not new for her. Her family has done it for three generations. Her mother had even faced a society unaccustomed to a woman transgressing rules and creating a path and a name of her own in the music industry. Therefore, Zeneida decided to take this route with her mother’s example as a guide and inspiration and in 1983 became the first female Cuban Choir and Orchestra Conductor. "I had to assert myself as a professional. You have to make you own way nonchalantly," said Zeneida Romeu. For 18 years, she has been the conductor of Camerata Romeu, an orchestra she created and which she has currently set as the first female string orchestra in Latin America. Camerata Romeu groups very young women who practice and memorize their scores for hours. "The girls work very hard. At the age of seven, they start studying music and for long hours they practice and strive for excellence," recalled Romeu. Romeu describes her music as "... a reinterpretation of Central European Baroque and Cuban music." Her work and sound quality have earned numerous awards. The orchestra has toured successfully through Europe and North America. Her discography is prolific. One of her albums is Non Divisi phonogram, nominated for a Latin Grammy. Zeneida repeats the words of the great Venezuelan genius and composer José Antonia Abreu as to Camerata Romeu: "It is orchestra unique in the world."