D’Rivera Honored by Cuban Cultural Center

On December 8 the Cuban Cultural Center of New York presented Paquito D’Rivera with their highest honor.  In recognition of his "prodigious talent, long career and exceptional contribution to Cuban culture," he received the Medalla Ignacio Cervantes award.  The festive evening at Weill Recital Hall (Carnegie Hall) featured many of his musical compositions, including "Fiddle Dreams," "Contradanza and Vals Venezolano," "Danzoncito," "Kites", "Song for Peace," and selected songs from Paquito’s newest work, a zarzuela, "Cecilio Valdés, Rey de La Habana."