British Singer-Song Writer Sting Thanks Cuban Music Festival for Award

HAVANA, Cuba. British singer-song writer Sting described as an unexpected honour an award granted to him by the organizers of the 13th Cubadisco Music Festival that began on Saturday in Havana.

The award to Sting, former leader of The Police, is for his CD ‘The Journey and the Labyrinth’, which he shares with Bosnian Edin Karamazov.

In a letter read during the awards ceremony with which the event began on Saturday, the prestigious singer and composer also expressed his admiration for Cuban music and culture.

“To be honoured in this way has a gratifying flavour for us,” wrote Sting in the message read by Cuban maestro Leo Brouwer, who received the award on behalf of the British famed artist at his own request.

In the text, Sting recalls that when he visited Cuba a few years ago with his wife, he learned to dance and listened to music in concert halls, hotels, bars and even in the street. “It was extraordinary and inspiring.

Music and arts are the living blood of Cuba,” he wrote.

In his letter, Sting notes that he accepts the award on behalf of John Dowland, an English composer of the 16th century who created an enduring legacy for singers and musicians that transcends until today.

The top awards of Cubadisco 2009 were granted to singer Omara Portuondo and to the world famous band ‘Los Van Van’.

(Sting considera un honor Premio Cubadisco)