Havana Chamber Orchestra Receives Seven Cubadisco Nominations

Maestra Daiana García, director of the Havana Chamber Orchestra (OCH), expressed immense joy following the announcement this Friday of seven nominations for the Cubadisco 2026 awards. These accolades recognize the productions De todos los colores y también sinfónico (DVD, Bis Music) and Habana a toda cuerda (CD, Colibrí).

The first project, featuring symphonic music by Aldo López-Gavilán and performed by the López-Gavilán family, García Ameneiro, Calzadilla, Haase, and an expanded OCH, is competing in the Vocal and Symphonic Music categories. It is also nominated for Audiovisual Concert, a result of the expertise of Mildrey Ruiz and Rueda Films in filming, and Luis Najmias in editing.

Furthermore, the album received a nomination for Sound Design in a Non-Controlled Environment for engineer Daniel Legón, while the liner notes by Maestro Leo Brouwer complete the list of expectations for the upcoming awards ceremony.

Meanwhile, Habana a toda cuerda has been nominated in the Chamber Music category, featuring Cuban compositions by renowned authors and produced musically by Rodrigo García Ameneiro and Aldo López-Gavilán. Other potential awards include Sound Design in a Controlled Environment, credited to engineer Giraldo García, and the liner notes written by Claudia Fallarero. The winners will be announced on May 16 during the Cubadisco 2026 Awards gala.

García told the Cuban News Agency that they are deeply grateful to the Organizing Committee for considering these two phonograms, which have brought great happiness to the López-Gavilán García family, the orchestra, and the many friends who contributed their professionalism and passion.

Regarding the DVD, which features symphonic music by Aldo—mostly premiering in Cuba—the soloists include the composer himself; nephews Coqui Calzadilla, Rodrigo García, and Tania Haase; twin daughters Adriana and Andrea López-Gavilán; and sister-in-law Rochy Ameneiro, who appeared as a narrator. They were all accompanied by the OCH expanded into a full symphony orchestra.

It is an album made from the family, with the family, for the family—both the biological one and the one acquired through life and the profession—and for the audiences who will enjoy it from now on just as we have, the artist stated.

Regarding the CD, she confessed it was a long-awaited project in which the orchestra continues its mission of championing music by young Cuban composers. Finally, she extended an invitation to the concert celebrating the 20th anniversary of the OCH on Thursday, May 14, at 6:00 p.m. at the Oratorio San Felipe Neri. During this event, the public will be able to purchase Habana a toda cuerda following its official presentation.

We could not be happier. We are very excited, she concluded.