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The director of the prestigious early music ensemble Ars Longa reported the theft of a sacbut, a wind musical instrument, an ancestor of the modern trombone.
In a post on Facebook, Teresa Paz referred to the complaint of one of the members of the musical group to request the return of the sacabuche, stolen this Thursday from a car, and stated that anyone wishing to return it can go to the Church of Paula to drop it off.
The theft occurred in the afternoon of April 24, according to reported Marisel González, who plays the instrument in Ars Longa. To remove the sackbut from the car, they broke the main lock of the trunk.
This is an ancient instrument, a predecessor of the trombone and unique of its kind in the country, wrote the musician on social media.
Another member of the group, Abraham Castillo Moreno, earnestly requested that the sacabuche be returned, as it could only be played by someone specialized in it.
"If you are not the person playing the sackbut in Ars Longa, this instrument is worthless to you. Return it. No other Cuban early music group is going to buy it from you to use. Return it. You can't even use it as a trombone. Return it," he insisted.
According to what Castillo explained, the market value of this instrument, after almost 20 years of use, is minimal. "Furthermore, I don’t see how you’re going to get it out of the country," said the bassoonist in his post.
Just a year ago, the renowned Cuban trumpeter Manuel Machado reported the theft of his musical instruments after leaving Havana Airport.
The musician, who has professionally worked with important Cuban music groups such as Irakere, Opus 13, and Raíces Nuevas, stated that on January 9, 2024, his trumpet and a Vicent Bach flugelhorn were stolen as he was leaving the airport in the capital of the country.
Machado did not detail the circumstances surrounding the theft of his instruments.
However, he considered that "the loss goes beyond material value, as these instruments become an extension of the person who plays them, filled with memories and emotions."
Although the Cuban government has claimed to intensify the police and judicial offensive to curb the rise in crime, corruption, and illegal activities, in an attempt to impose strict social control, the increase in delinquency in the country remains unstoppable.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Theft of the Sacabuche from Ars Longa
What is a sackbut and why is it important for Ars Longa?
The sacabuche is a wind musical instrument, a precursor to the modern trombone, and it is unique of its kind in Cuba. For Ars Longa, it represents not only a valuable musical resource but also an invaluable historical and cultural element in their performances of ancient music.
How did the theft of the sacabuche from Ars Longa happen?
The theft of the sacabuche occurred on April 24 when the thieves broke the lock of a car's trunk to steal the instrument. Director Teresa Paz and other members of Ars Longa have requested its return through social media, emphasizing that the sacabuche can only be played by a specialized person.
How does crime affect cultural life in Cuba?
Crime severely affects cultural life in Cuba by jeopardizing objects of historical and cultural value, such as unique musical instruments. These incidents undermine trust in the authorities' ability to protect cultural heritage, which can have repercussions on the continuity of cultural events and the attraction of tourism.
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