Sounds of Cuba

Los Primos returns to Annapolis Royal’s King’s Theatre

Cuban music? Just go to Annapolis Royal on Sunday and you’ll hear it.

“We’re thrilled to once again welcome Los Primos to King’s Theatre,” said general manager Janet Larkman. “This year’s show will include Augusto Enriquez, one of Cuba’s most famous musicians. Enriquez has toured all over the world, including Italy, Germany, Chile, Venezuela, and the US.”

He has also been lead singer for the popular group Moncada. In the July 9 concert he’ll perform alongside his daughter Alison as part of the Los Primos Project at King’s Theatre.

Joining them are two more of Havana’s most promising new musicians, Ahmed Alom and Dayron Rodriguez

Rodríguez started playing with professional bands in Havana when he was only 12 years old and has been doing it ever since. He was a member of Los Primos 2012 and returned to Nova Scotia in 2014. He plays with the strength and sound of the master conga players for which Cuba is famous.

Alom is back in Havana after studying for three years in the most famous music school of Mexico City. He has now been accepted on full scholarship to the Manhattan School of music and will begin there this fall. He’s won numerous international classical piano competitions but is also recognized in Havana as one of the very best Latin jazz piano players they have produced.

Alison Enríquez is now studying Grade 10 in Halifax on scholarship to the Armbrae Academy. She is playing in the Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra, and appears every Sunday at Stayners Sunday Jazz. Not only is she a gifted violinist but she sings with the maturity and freedom of a seasoned professional.

The Project

The Los Primos Project has been contributing to the education of an entire generation of musicians. It was started in 1997 to help music education in Cuba deal with instrument shortages, and to inspire young Nova Scotia musicians by giving them the opportunity to perform with Cuban music students and professionals.

Los Primos has raised more than $500,000 for music education in Nova Scotia and delivered 700 instruments to musicians and schools in Cuba.

In celebration of this 20 year milestone, Los Primos artistic director Jeff Goodspeed and Augusto Enriquez are leading Los Primos 2017 in a series of performances throughout Nova Scotia.

“This anniversary celebration is not to be missed, as some of Cuba’s finest musicians come to Annapolis Royal for a night of spectacular music and celebration,” said Larkman.

Tickets are now on sale at King’s Theatre, or go to kingstheatre.ca/event/los-primos to learn more.