This past Saturday, co-presenters Loud and Live and Celia Cruz 100 hosted “Celia Sinfónica,” a symphonic tribute celebrating what would have been legendary Hispanic singer Celia Cruz’s 100th birthday at the Adrienne Arsht Center in downtown Miami.
Florida International University’s Symphony Orchestra performed some of the “Queen of Salsa’s most iconic songs, including “La Vida Es Un Carnaval” and “Quimbara,” joined by guest vocalists and instrumentalists.
The FIU Symphony Orchestra was conducted by Javier José Mendoza, who said the collaboration came naturally.
“[T]he Celia Cruz Foundation…came to us…and said, ‘Would you like to collaborate on Celia Cruz’s 100th birthday?’ And this was an easy yes,” said Mendoza during an interview during their rehearsals. “We were very excited to say yes to this project and to this opportunity for us and for our students.”
Students like Gianluca Nagaro felt honored to be involved in this event.
“Honestly, it’s really just a wonderful experience—something different from the normal classical music that all violinists are trained to do,” said Nagaro. It’s something different that’s enjoyable, especially living here in Miami.”
Celia Cruz’s legacy will continue to live on for generations to come.
