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The legacy of the Caballero del Son faces another harsh blow. Brayan Álvarez, son of the late Adalberto Álvarez and current director of his orchestra, reported the theft of his piano and other musical equipment at La Tropical, the same place where the group rehearses.
“I feel very sad and at the same time outraged. Those of us who are musicians know how much effort, sacrifice, and work it takes to have an instrument of this level… and it hurts immensely that in a second someone can come and take it away from you,” Brayan wrote on the official page of the orchestra. The pianist asked the community for help in recovering the instruments and assured that he is offering a reward for any information.
Beyond the material loss, Brayan emphasized the sentimental value of his piano. “That piano is not just an object: it is part of my life, my music, of who I am,” he said.
Brayan Álvarez took on the responsibility of continuing his father's legacy in 2021 after his passing due to COVID-19. At just 22 years old, he stepped up to lead the orchestra Adalberto Álvarez y su Son and founded his own project, Los Hijos del Son.
“I promise you, Dad, that I will dedicate my life to your work”, he wrote in a message that moved the Cuban music community.
Today, the theft of their instruments not only represents an artistic loss but also a wound to the continuity of that legacy.
"Endless thanks for the support and solidarity during this very difficult time," concluded Brayan in his statement, which included a contact number for anyone who may have information.
The musical community and the Cuban public, both on the island and abroad, remain attentive to the search for instruments, aware that every missing note is also a wound to the cultural heart of the nation.
A wave of thefts hitting Cuban music
The case of Brayan is not an isolated incident. In January 2024, the renowned trumpeter Manuel Machado reported the theft of his trumpet and a flugelhorn after leaving the airport in Havana. “The love and sacrifice invested in those instruments make them invaluable to a musician,” he lamented at the time.
In April of this year, the renowned group Ars Longa suffered the theft of a sackbut, a unique antique instrument in the country, stolen from a car in Havana. The musicians pleaded for its return, reminding that outside of the group it has no practical value.
These episodes reflect how the rise in insecurity in Cuba also impacts culture, affecting artists who dedicate their lives to keeping the island's musical tradition alive.
Frequently Asked Questions about the theft of instruments from Adalberto Álvarez's orchestra
What instruments were stolen from Adalberto Álvarez's orchestra?
The piano and other musical equipment were stolen from Adalberto Álvarez's orchestra at La Tropical, where the group rehearses. Brayan Álvarez, son of Adalberto and current director of the orchestra, expressed his sadness and indignation over the theft of these instruments, which hold both material and sentimental value.
How does the theft of instruments affect Cuban musicians?
The theft of musical instruments is a devastating blow for musicians, as instruments hold not only economic value but also personal and emotional significance. In Cuba, where instrument thefts are increasingly common, musicians face the challenge of replacing valuable equipment that is essential for their work and artistic lives.
What actions are being taken to recover the stolen instruments?
Brayan Álvarez has asked the community for help in recovering the stolen instruments, offering a reward for any information that leads to their recovery. The music community, both inside and outside of Cuba, is attentive and ready to collaborate to ensure that the instruments return to their owners.
Why are thefts of musical instruments increasing in Cuba?
The increasing number of musical instrument thefts in Cuba reflects a rise in insecurity in the country. These incidents affect musicians and artists who dedicate their lives to keeping the Cuban cultural tradition alive, and highlight the lack of effective measures by the government to protect its citizens and their cultural heritage.
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