Renowned Cuban trova singer Ireno García passed away

Singer-songwriter Ireno García, with a long career in Cuba's Nueva Trova Movement, passed away in Havana on Sunday evening, victim of a painful illness, the Cuban Institute of Music (ICM) reported on Monday.

Born in Havana on September 24, 1954, García was one of the troubadours whose magnificent work has lasted for several decades, due to his sensitivity and legendary fervor with which he sang about life and little things when done for love.

He has shared stage, recorded, and collaborated with most of the exponents of the song and trova movement in Cuba, including Silvio Rodríguez, Carlos Varela, Marta Campos, Santiago Feliú, and Polito Ibáñez, among other musicians.

García and Mike Porcell composed the anthem for the 11th World Festival of Youth and Students in Cuba in 1978.

The Pablo de la Torriente Brau Cultural Center in Havana was one of the most beloved venues for this Havana troubadour, which allowed him to perform in places such as “A guitarra limpia” and record albums of memorable songs, along with the performances with actress Coralia Veloz.

García became a member of the National Association of Cuban Writers and Artists (UNEAC).

Due to his merits, he was awarded the National Culture Distinction, the Alejo Carpentier Medal, and the 50th Anniversary Coin of the Nueva Trova Foundation.