9:15 Mariano Meléndez. Distinguished Cuban tenor.

Mariano Meléndez, a prominent Cuban tenor, was born on September 11, 1886, in Havana. He is primarily recognized for being the first performer of the Cuban-born Creole-bolero “Serenata cubana” by the distinguished musician Gonzalo Roig, which is now known worldwide as “Quiéreme mucho.”

In November 1923, she made her debut with Arquímedes Pous’s company; on this occasion, she had the opportunity to perform the operetta El canto de la sirena (The Siren’s Song) by A. Bronca and H. Monteagudo in Cuban theater. She was part of Roberto “Bolito” Gutiérrez’s company in November and December 1930.

Throughout his artistic career, Mariano Meléndez performed countless times at important Cuban music concerts, organized especially during the 1920s and 1930s by figures such as Jorge Anckermann, Eduardo Sánchez de Fuentes, and the renowned pianist Ernesto Lecuona.

He had the opportunity to record a variety of songs from his repertoire through several American record companies. He retired from the stage during the 1940s and dedicated the rest of his life to teaching, fostering the development and training of numerous talented young singers.

Mariano Meléndez died on October 15, 1960.

The painter Jorge Arche Silva (1905 – 1956), his contributions to the Cuban Plastic Arts

The plastic work of Enrique Caravia y Montenegro (1905 – 1992)

Wilfredo Oscar de la Concepción Lam y Castillo (1902 – 1982), the significance of his plastic work

The sculptor Teodoro Ramos Blanco (1902 – 1972), his work

The plastic work of Gumersindo Barea y García (1901 – ?)

The painter Carlos Enríquez Gómez (1900 – 1957), an essential exponent of Cuban visual arts

The work of the sculptor Juan José Sicre y Vélez (1898 – ?)

The work of the painter and architect Augusto García Menocal y Córdova (1899 – ?)