Original Score

It was a dream of mine throughout my career to create an original work that centered around the subject of the Cuban immigrant experience. Having come from a family of Cuban political refugees, I grew up with the shadow of the history and culture we brought from Cuba to the United States in my life through the presence of the music and stories from the Caribbean island. From early childhood, I often pondered the relationship between the two countries, their political tensions, and, above all, the aftereffects of exile and its impact on the human psyche.

When I joined the board of the contemporary dance company BODYTRAFFIC in 2023 and discovered that their resident choreographer, Joan Rodriguez, was also a Cuban refugee, I immediately knew that the potential for collaboration had been activated. Together with composer Pedro Osuna, Cuban percussionist Luis Conte, and Cuban artist Sheila del Bosque, BLOQUEA’O was born.

Situated in the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, BLOQUEA’O resists the challenge of exile through a blossoming love story that confirms the need for camaraderie in the fight for human rights. As the lovers navigate their emotions and seek refuge in their community, others play integral roles in their journey, guiding them toward hope, unity, and collective strength.

The genre-bending piece blends Cuban traditional rhythms, Yoruba chants, electronic beats, historical recordings, poetry from Cuban poet José Martí, 4-part canons, and melodies, as well as field recordings from the sounds of the streets of La Habana and historical documents such as JFK and Fidel Castro’s phone calls and broadcasts.

Commissioned by Festival Napa Valley and premiered at The Wallis (Los Angeles) in October 2023 with subsequent national touring.

Pedro Osuna - Composer

SUUVI - Cello/Producer

Luis Conte - Percussion