Yunior Larrea Medina cannot hide his pride in his band of musicians. Although he has been able to pursue a solo career and play with other groups, it is there, in his band Contrapunto, where he is happy. That's why he doesn't mind spending so many hours arranging, composing new songs for the group's repertoire, or rehearsing whenever he can, tirelessly... All those efforts are beginning to bear fruit.
Las Tunas, Cuba.- For a decade, the young man has been the director of the collective, which has been in existence for 17 years. Based on his experience, he assures 26 that they are not only interested in cultivating traditional Cuban genres, notably son, but also in becoming a training project, helping students from the professional art school to find their way within the art form.
"Contrapunto is a big family. The human and professional qualities of its members stand out. I came with the sounds of Creole music ingrained in my soul from Santiago de Cuba, my home province, and I wanted to incorporate other nuances into the group from Las Tunas, always based on traditional son," he says, then mentions each member of the cast one by one, including, for example, pianist Omar Briñones, whose skill is frequently recognized in the locality.
In recent months, the group's prestige has opened doors for them on stages outside our territory. In particular, they have shared their talent in the easternmost of Cuba's provinces, getting the audience dancing with their characteristic sandunga. This was the case at Casa Chito Latamble, which hosted the celebration of the 80th birthday of the Changüí Guantánamo group, and recently at the tribute to Luis (“Lilí”) Martínez Griñán on the 110th anniversary of his birth.
“We want to continue creating, opening doors, participating in events...,” Larrea reaffirms, with a sparkle in his eyes that translates into determination and commitment. The leader announces new projects, such as a video clip in progress for the song Soy la rumba, soy el son, composed by the troubadour Norge Batista. "More than 80 percent of the repertoire that characterizes us is our own. Among the songs are La fiesta del son cubano, which I wrote in tribute to Adalberto Álvarez and the day dedicated to this genre in Cuba, May 8, and Qué tiene esa negra, which I composed for my colleague Iraida Williams, a member of our group," he added.
“Our recent performances in Guantánamo were memorable. The energy and welcome we received there were wonderful. People danced and sang along to our songs. It was very gratifying and encourages us to work even harder,” he said. He also reported that they are working on new collaborations with Changüí Guantánamo and other groups such as the Chamber Orchestra of our province. Likewise, “with the support of the Provincial Committee of the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (UNEAC in Spanish), we are planning a tour of different venues of that organization in the country,” he added.
Yunior, a native of Contramaestre, has no regrets about coming to the land of Vicente García and becoming one of its adopted sons. The composer, arranger, and musical director has grown alongside his colleagues here, drawing on the experience he brought with him from the Heroic City as a former member of the Los Astros del Caribe orchestra. He also confesses to having collaborated with Tony Ávila, Lynn Milanés, and other renowned creators.
However, "Contrapunto is my family in Las Tunas. I am nothing without my group. I feel fulfilled," he concluded, returning to rehearsals that will surely bring new joys to him and all those who support one of the groups of excellence of the Barbarito Diez music and entertainment marketing company.
