Castro couldn't keep trumpeter down

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Arturo Sandoval left his native Cuba and the dictatorship of Fidel Castro to pursue a career in music. He will perform with the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra today and tomorrow, and Sunday on Maui. Honolulu Symphony ARTURO SANDOVAL Performing with the Honolulu Symphony in the premiere Hawaiian Airlines Pops Series concert 8 p.m. today and Saturday Blaisdell Concert Hall $25-$70 792-2000, (877) 750-4400 Featuring: Matt Catingub, conducting the orchestra; Rocky Brown, opening act Also: Sandoval performs at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Castle Theatre, Maui Arts & Cultural Center; $10, $28, $38. (808) 242-7469

"Cuba is somewhat of a musical country," he said in a phone interview from his Coral Gables, Fla., home, with a note of irony. "But it's kind of an attitude; even in tough times, music helps you get through the suffering. If you have soul, you will make it no matter what. But if you stay in Cuba, you can't really launch a career."

Sandoval, 54, will guest-perform with the Honolulu Symphony in the first Hawaiian Airlines Pops Series concerts tonight and tomorrow at the Blaisdell Concert Hall.

The late Dizzy Gillespie, who was Sandoval's mentor and idol, taught him the most important thing about his livelihood: Believe in your desires, and don't give up your dreams.

"(Gillespie) taught me to have passion for the music," said Sandoval. "He said that if you have passion, you will want to learn as much as you can, till you squeeze your brain."

He wasn't going to be brainwashed by a political leader who had no appreciation for the performing arts. So he overcame daunting odds to launch his star.

"My family was not musical," said Sandoval. "I grew up (in a village called Artemisa) that was in the middle of the country, and were it not for a little marching band that I saw when I was 10 or 11, I wouldn't have become a musician. It was just a bunch of kids, but I saw different instruments. I saw the trumpet; that's the one I wanted to play.

"Right there, I didn't have any doubts; music is what I wanted to do."

This right to express himself culturally and artistically was going against the grain of dictator Castro.

"Oh, I had limitations; all the way through. I didn't have a teacher, so I had to learn by trying. I practiced and I practiced and I practiced ... 25 hours a day.

"Fidel Castro, he only loves people who don't have an opinion; he likes those who follow whatever he says. ... If I stayed in Cuba, my career would have been stunted. I was fortunate to meet Dizzy Gillespie and he helped me gain confidence and showed me the potential and the possibility of having a musical career. I love expressing myself through my music."

He said the trumpet is the ideal conduit to share and showcase emotions.

"You can express yourself in many different ways," he said of tooting the golden horn. "You can whisper a sound, or you can really give 'em a blast."

He became an American citizen years ago and has no regrets about his defection.

"I'm not allowed back; I've retired my passport and my (Cuban) citizenship," said Sandoval. "But I love the U.S. and am blessed to be a citizen here."

Essentially, Sandoval said, his is a happy life, rich life.

"When I'm on the road, I try to enjoy that; it's good to feel what you do, with training God gave to you, you can share with audiences. When I go home, my wife of 30 years hugs and kisses me. I enjoy every second with my family, which also God gave me — we have two sons and a granddaughter.

"I consider myself a very lucky person in that respect. I have my music, I have my family, I got everything. I shouldn't ask for anything more."

Reach Wayne Harada at 525-8067, wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, or fax 525-8067.