Salvador Fernández, the renowned Cuban designer who significantly influenced the scenography and costumes of the National Ballet of Cuba (BNC), unexpectedly passed away on Thursday in Havana, according to a report by the official Cuban outlet Cubadebate on Saturday.
Famed for his artistic sensitivity and meticulous attention to detail, Fernández left a lasting imprint on productions like Giselle, The Sleeping Beauty, La fille mal gardée, The Merry Widow, and the iconic Carmen. Additionally, he crafted the script and designs for Don Quixote.
Born on November 10, 1937, in Havana, Fernández initially pursued architecture before swiftly transitioning to set design. His educational journey included studies in Cuba with prominent Czechoslovak instructors and a scholarship that took him to Prague and Bratislava from 1964 to 1965. Over his extensive career, he designed more than 300 productions spanning dance, theater, opera, and film, as noted by the BNC.
Since 1966, Salvador Fernández was a permanent fixture in the Cuban company, becoming a pivotal figure. He also served as a professor at the National School of Theater and the Institute of Higher Arts, where his work Notes on the History of Design in Ballet became essential reading for students.
His contributions were acknowledged with numerous prestigious awards, including the Distinction for National Culture, the Raúl Gómez García Medal, the Alejo Carpentier Medal, the Order of Félix Varela First Degree, and the Annual Prize of the Gran Teatro de La Habana "Alicia Alonso".
Married to prima ballerina and teacher María Elena Llorente, Fernández not only designed but visually narrated the essence of each choreography, establishing himself as a cornerstone of Cuban stage design, as the publication notes.
The National Ballet of Cuba expressed deep sorrow over his loss and highlighted his profound impact on the company's major productions, to which he devoted his entire life.
As per the family's wishes, Salvador Fernández's body will be cremated.
Salvador Fernández's Legacy and Contributions
What were some of the notable productions Salvador Fernández worked on?
Salvador Fernández worked on notable productions such as Giselle, The Sleeping Beauty, La fille mal gardée, The Merry Widow, and Carmen, among others.
What educational background did Salvador Fernández have?
Salvador Fernández initially studied architecture before focusing on set design. He studied in Cuba with Czechoslovak teachers and received a scholarship to study in Prague and Bratislava during 1964-1965.