“Cuban Music in Exile: A Centennial Celebration” marks the 100th anniversary of composer Aurelio de la Vega and includes the world premiere of Yalil Guerra’s Symphony for Strings No. 2.
Pasadena, California — RYCY Productions proudly announces Cuban Music in Exile: A Centennial Celebration, an upcoming concert presented by the Guerra String Orchestra under the direction of composer and conductor Dr. Yalil Guerra. The event will take place in Pasadena and will bring together audiences, scholars, and music lovers for an evening dedicated to the legacy of Cuban composers whose artistic lives unfolded beyond the island.
The concert commemorates the centennial of the birth of Cuban composer Aurelio de la Vega (1925–2022), a pioneering figure in contemporary classical music and a longtime professor at California State University, Northridge. De la Vega’s career in the United States helped shape generations of composers and musicians, while his work remained deeply connected to the cultural and intellectual traditions of Cuba.
Through this program, the Guerra String Orchestra highlights the contributions of Cuban composers who continued their creative work in exile, exploring themes of identity, memory, and cultural continuity. The concert reflects a broader narrative of artistic resilience and the ways in which music preserves cultural heritage across borders.
A central highlight of the evening will be the world premiere of Dr. Yalil Guerra’s Symphony for Strings No. 2, Los Dioses del Olimpo. The new work draws inspiration from classical mythology while reflecting on broader themes of human struggle, transformation, and transcendence. Guerra, an internationally performed composer and Pasadena-area educator, founded the Guerra String Orchestra as a platform for innovative repertoire and the promotion of Ibero-American classical music.
The Guerra String Orchestra brings together professional musicians and distinguished collaborators committed to presenting historically significant repertoire alongside contemporary works. With projects such as Cuban Music in Exile, the ensemble continues to expand the cultural dialogue between Latin American musical traditions and the vibrant artistic community of Southern California.
This Pasadena event promises a compelling musical experience that connects local audiences with a powerful chapter of cultural history while celebrating the enduring vitality of Cuban classical music.
Cuban Music in Exile: A Centennial Celebration is produced by RYCY Productions.
Event
Cuban Music in Exile: A Centennial Celebration
Saturday, May 30, 2026
Pasadena, California.