The Holguín Orfeón was founded in November 1964 as a Special Amateur Choir, sponsored by the then National Council of Culture and under the direction of Ana Arriaza Fernández. It changed its name to the Holguín Orfeón the same year it was founded, following a proposal made by Maestro Elect Silva. It is currently directed by María Aldana Popa, who has served in that capacity since 1997. It is composed of 30 voices, 16 female and the rest male.

According to leading specialist conductors, critics, musicians, and composers, the Orfeón Holguín’s distinctive quality lies in its interpretation of Cuban music. This choir’s repertoire includes numerous choral works from a variety of musical styles, ranging from Renaissance to contemporary. However, there is a strong presence of Cuban and Latin American music, evident in the numerous traditional and contemporary pieces.

Among the works, both by Cuban and foreign composers, in their repertoire are works by Bach and Javier Bustos; and the songs “Chivo que rompe tambó,” “El guayabazo,” “Mejor Diciembre,” and “Son Homenaje” by Moisés Simons, Guido López Gavilán, and Juan Almeida, respectively.

From its founding until 1969, this Holguín choral group performed in the choral sections of various zarzuelas and operettas, alongside the Rodrigo Prats Lyric Theater. Throughout their long career, they have performed at numerous festivals both in Cuba and abroad. They have also shared the stage with other prominent choral groups and musicians, including maestro Frank Fernández, with whom they recorded an album.

In 2007, they participated in the International Choir Festival, during which they performed at the Sala Dolores (Aguilera y Reloj Street, Santiago de Cuba) and took part in concerts scheduled for streets, schools, hospitals, and other institutions.

In 2009, this choir celebrated its 45th anniversary, for which it was honored at the “Voice of the Earth” musical festival held by the Golden Voice vocal group, which was dedicated to the choir’s work. Small groups and soloists who began their artistic careers with the Holguín Orfeón participated in the celebration.

The Holguín Orfeón has received several awards, including the Axe of Holguín, the highest distinction awarded by the province to distinguished individuals and institutions; and the Union of Writers and Artists of Holguín (UNEAC) Award, the highest honor bestowed by this institution, for celebrating its first 45 years of existence in 2009.