A young musician from the Holguín Symphony Orchestra has turned to social media to seek assistance in recovering his stolen violin, which was taken on the afternoon of last Wednesday.
Andy Fernández Calero posted in the Facebook group "Revolico Holguín" that on Wednesday, June 19, while he was attending his traffic classes at Primero de Enero Park, his musical instrument was stolen.
"A witness said it was a bike taxi driver, wearing a red cap and dark blue shorts. If anyone saw anything or was passing by at that moment, please let me know, or if you know the individual, please inform me. My number is +53 588 206 32," wrote the young musician.
Fernández Calero also emphasized that the violin is his means "of work and study and holds significant emotional value."
This incident is part of a broader context of deteriorating social values and scarcity within Cuban society.
Previous Incidents in the Music Community
Last year, two students from the Faculty of Music at the National School of Art (ENA) were robbed on the streets of Havana, losing their flutes and other belongings. The incident was reported on Facebook by José Lázaro Álvarez, a professor at the institution, who called on the community to help identify anyone attempting to sell flutes matching the descriptions of the stolen instruments: "We all know how much it costs to buy an instrument and the sacrifices we go through to obtain them," he stressed.
Additionally, earlier this year, renowned Cuban trumpeter Manuel Machado reported the theft of his musical instruments after leaving the Havana Airport. In an emotional post in a group of Cuban trumpeters on Facebook, Machado, who has worked professionally with prominent Cuban music groups such as Irakere, Opus 13, and Raíces Nuevas, wrote to his colleagues: "You will understand that the theft of musical instruments can cause great sadness, especially after a long career dedicated to music. The love and sacrifice invested in these instruments make them invaluable to a musician."
Understanding the Impact of Instrument Theft on Musicians
This section delves into common questions regarding the theft of musical instruments, particularly in Cuba, and the broader impact on musicians.
Why are musical instruments so valuable to musicians?
Musical instruments often hold significant emotional and financial value for musicians, representing years of dedication, practice, and investment. The loss of an instrument can greatly impact their ability to work and study.
What can be done to prevent instrument theft in Cuba?
Preventing instrument theft requires increased community vigilance, stronger security measures, and better support networks for reporting and recovering stolen items.