Pedro R. Rojas Rodríguez

Pedro R. Rojas Rodríguez (1894-1974)

Born in Güines on October 24, 1894. A musician of rare talent.

In 1904 he started his musical studies at Eslava School directed by his brother Miguel A. Rojas Rodríguez. The first instrument he played was the piccolo. On January 20, 1909, he graduated as Teacher of Solfeggio and Theory.

He organized in 1912 the first musical youth group with the name Agrupacion Estrella (Star Group). In 1914 he received the diploma as Professor in Harmony and Composition from the Municipal School. On October 21, 1915 he was appointed as Principal of the Music Academy and of Güines Municipal Band. In 1918 he organized Güines Musical Center and by 1920 Güines already had a group of good musicians, causing Pedrito Rojas to establish Saint Cecilia Musical Association where he continued the work started at the Musical Center.

In 1941 due to his 25 years as a musician, the Municipality of Güines bestowed upon him a Gold Medal.

He was the author of serious musical works, among them El silencio de la noche (The Silence of the Night), Plegaria a María (Prayer to María), Sueño de un día (Dream of a Day) as well as potpourris, mosaics, dances, religious marches, hymns, etc.

In 1946, he retired as Director of the Municipal Band as well as Principal of the school. He died in Güines, after a long illness, on July 21, 1974.

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