Originally from the eastern province of Santiago de Cuba, Vistel received his training at the Esteban Salas Conservatory, and later at the National School of Music and the University of the Arts (ISA). At the latter, he earned a degree in Composition under the mentorship of Carlos Fariñas, one of the central figures of 20th-century Cuban classical music.

The ICM highlighted in a press release that his artistic versatility was the result of a combination of inherited talent and a solid academic foundation. During his career, he was a member of the Orquesta Típica Alborada, Grupo Estudio 2, Cinquillo Cubano, and Conjunto Saratoga. In 1994, he founded his own project, “Calor Cubano,” through which he performed both original compositions and pieces from the traditional repertoire.

In addition to his artistic endeavors, he served as an educator at various institutions in Santiago de Cuba and the capital, and he also served as the director of the Manzanillo Conservatory. Vistel’s pedagogical vocation was complemented by an intense period of cultural management, which included high-level responsibilities within the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (UNEAC), where he presided over the Association of Musicians.

For his distinguished career, he was awarded the Juan Marinello Order, a recognition of his contribution to national culture and the Revolution. The Ministry of Culture and the Cuban Institute of Music extended their condolences to his family and friends, who have decided to hold the funeral services in a private ceremony.