Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-02-17

with him and his playing. He is great
favorite in Han lama.
after a fewAyears the Pro Arte Musi-
cal had grownl to such an extent that
plans to build IAN auditorium. dedicated
to music and musicians, were formu-
lated by the S bciety.
This audito rum formally was OPEN
ed amid much celebrating and congrat-
ulations two m pnthS ago in Havana. 1t
is q handsome building containing re-
ception rooms, concert rooms and a vast
auditorium with large seating capaci-
ty, a stage an an orchestra pit We
have very ex, :ellent symphony orches-
ira in Havana and also several fine
pianists and vo ealists.
Membership entities one to admis-
sion to all conc ertS conducted under the
auspices of the society"
# suppose with this beautiful temple
of music, as AN inspiration to genius, you
have many COMPOSERS IN the society,"
Sonora Ferrara was asked.
Sonora Ferra raI nodded. "Yes, I am
proud to say tn; Vt one of the finest COM
posers of the modern day is Cuban
Ignazio Cervan ties, who mas written
many beautiful ssongs and also Is an
accomplished pianist Cervantes has
written music throughout which there
Is a decided Spall ish theme, but he has
been specially Gle ver in interpreting the
purely Cuban 'da MA
The sonora adj lied: Washington will
have the opportu Elity Of hearing one of
our foremost Cuttln pianistS soon. He
Is Pepito Echanizt who also Is COM
poser of note, ana Is coming to Wash
ington In April"
Referring to SON gs of Cuban origin,
Sonora Ferrara lHlated an interesting
anecdote relative teG' visit to Mexico.
INV husband had been sent on a
Diplomatic mission land we had been ex-
tensively entertained. Everywhere we
would hear played THAT lovely old song,
La Paloma,' whichN I had always been
told was so popular in Mexico that it
was known as the Mexican national
air. Hearing it played one night, I
said to a Mexicar official who sat
near me, You should be very proud to
have given such al beautiful song to
the world as La T.Paloma'-it is SO
distinctly, Mexican
sMexican!' he exclaimed in surprise,
why it was compoSeAd by Cuban In
Cuba. I axn sorry wei cannot truthfully
claim 1t aS Mexican
Perhaps continues the sonora, you
win be equally SURPRISED to hear that
origin. Years. before it, was introduced
to South America it, was danced by the
Cubans in addition to the DANA.
which I do noh believe is yet danced
in any country outs ide of Cuba. The
tango did not retain its popularity as
long as the DANA, and is only danced
there now as 1t is Elm the bathrooms of
London, Paris and View York"
Sonora Ferrara So tied that although
she is away from hdr country for such
long periods and, com 'equently, does not
enjoy all the benefit of the Pro Arte
Musical, she takes ki en- enjoyment in
looking out for artists who might con-
slider trip to Cuba AID a recital.
when in Havana SEND ra Ferrara takes
an active interest in tMe programs con-
Quoted by the society, and frequently
has contributed her own, talents to anna
teur performances.
Although I get very little opportu-
nifty for that sort of thing, just love
it, you know" she exc claimed enthusi-
astically. st think 1t Is great fun TO
take part In recitals apd am always
glad to do what can tol help IN musi-
Gales for the society or ini benefits given
for charity"