Efraín Amador, a prominent Cuban musician, was born on June 15, 1947, in San Joaquín, Chambas, in the province of Ciego de Ávila. Under the tutelage of maestro Isaac Nicola, he studied guitar and music in general at the Amadeo Roldán Conservatory (Calle Rastro No. 1, Habana Vieja, Havana) and at the National School of Art (ENA) (Calle 120 between 9th and 13th, Cubanacán, Playa, Havana). He graduated in 1970 and formed the Amanecer Duo with his beloved wife, pianist Doris Oropesa. That same year, he began his career as a concert artist, composer, and teacher in the province of Camagüey and later moved to Havana, where he became head of the guitar department at the ENA. During the five-year period from 1976 to 1981 he studied with the teacher Leo Brouwer at the Instituto Superior de Arte (ISA) (Calle 120 No. 1110 e/ 9na y 13. Cubanacán. Playa. Havana).

He began his international artistic career as a soloist and with the Chamber Duo in 1981, participating in tours and festivals throughout Europe, Africa, and Latin America.

Beginning in 1983, Efraín Amador and his wife embarked on an intense research and teaching program throughout the country. In 1987, he and his partner founded “La Peña del Arte” in their home in Guanabacoa. The event was later relocated to the “Rita Montaner” Cultural Center.

In 1995, he was appointed by UNEAC and the PCC as coordinator of the Guanabacoa municipality, along with his wife. He has participated without exception in every edition of the UNEAC Contemporary Music Festival.

Since 1999 he began to work as a contracted professor at the Instituto Superior de Arte (ISA) (Calle 120 No. 1110 e/ 9na y 13. Cubanacán. Playa. Havana), an experience that he also shared with Doris.

His work has led him to join and direct the Amanecer Trio, which includes his partner, Doris Oropesa, on piano, and his daughter, Ariadna Amador, who plays the tres. In this trio, Efraín plays the lute. With this group, he recorded the CD “Cubanías.”

His resume includes the Scientific Merit Award in 1988, awarded by the Ministry of Higher Education and the Rector of the Instituto Superior de Arte (ISA). He also holds other accolades, such as the “Amadeo Roldán” Diploma awarded by the UNEAC Musicians Association and the Diploma of Recognition for Outstanding Work in Community Culture awarded by the UNEAC Presidency. He also holds numerous other accolades thanks to the success of the duo he formed with his wife.

He recently organized, together with Doris Oropesa, the 5th Plectro Habana Festival, a success that resonates in Cuba as one of the most important musical events of 2011.