Cuban Pianist José María Vitier Presents 'Noche Insular' at Havana's Jazz Plaza Festival

Celebrated Cuban pianist and composer José María Vitier, known for his work on the soundtrack of ‘Fresas y Chocolate’ (1993) among others, marks his 70th birthday as a milestone to explore new horizons in his illustrious career. Vitier presents his immersive concert experience ‘Noche insular’ during the 39th edition of the International Jazz Plaza Festival, one of Cuba's most considerable musical events, starting this Sunday in Havana.

Immersive Concert Experience

In ‘Noche insular,’ José María Vitier unites his piano music with visuals projected onto a screen in front of the stage. These visuals have been crafted with the expertise of French talent Dominique Roland, director at the Centre des Arts d'Enghien-les-Bains. The concept, originated in France, has expanded into a logistically challenging venture for the Cuban-French team and has led Vitier into uncharted territory.

'The technique itself is quite innovative; personally, the novelty was that I’m used to creating music for images but not having images made for my music,' Vitier emphasizes.

Collaborative Performances

At the Jazz Plaza festival, which runs until January 28th, Vitier will be joined by flutist Niurka González, percussionist and double bassist Abel Acosta, and soprano Bárbara Llanes. The concert features both music spanning his entire career and new pieces, enhanced with dynamic visuals of waves, lightning, and aerial views of Havana synchronizing with the melodies.

'It seemed very attractive and provocative from the start. Such things tempt, stimulate, and inspire me. ... I've just turned 70, I'm content with what I've done, but not to the point that I'm not excited about what I have yet to do,' he shares with excitement.

The Ultimate Test in Havana

Despite his fifty-year tenure on stage, Vitier experiences the familiar thrill of his first performance when playing in Cuba. He acknowledges that a unique experience like ‘Noche insular’—which made its debut in Paris last November—faces its ultimate test when presented to the Cuban audience with their discerning and challenging expectations.

'No stage in the world creates the same expectation and commitment with the audience as in Cuba. They know how to appreciate but also how to critically assess,' Vitier admits.

A Festival of Jazz Elite

The International Jazz Plaza Festival, Cuba’s foremost jazz event, will span across two cities: Havana, with 184 performances, and Santiago de Cuba, with 74. Besides local talents, international artists such as American saxophonist and composer Ted Nash, Mexican arranger Arturo O'Farrill, and American pianist Aaron Goldberg will grace the festival which carries the theme ‘Pa'que flujazz’.

music, concert, festival