Old Havana art temples’ triad

By: Claudia Álvarez Delgado
Consulted Authors: Daniel Taboada, Argel Calcines and Josefina Ortega
Photos: Rolando Pujol

Three old churches in the historical centre host the most splendid concert halls of the capital city.
Coral and symphonic music, antique, lyric art and opera, are housed in three beautiful temples in Old Havana, which also offer space to other art avenues.

The first one to open as concert hall was the Basílica Menor del Convento de San Francisco de Asís church (Oficios and Amargura streets). Considered as one of the most valuable samples of our XVIII century religious architecture, it was originally made up of three bodies, with a dome at its upper end and arched roof. The old church was rescued from the ruins and turned into a magnificent art temple to serve as coral and symphonic music scenario presided by an ancient wooden carving of a crucified Christ.

Also of the XVIII Century and baroque style, the Iglesia de San Francisco de Paula church (Avenida del Puerto), stands today as a Cuban contemporary sacred art chapel and home of the “Ars Longa” Group of Antique Music. Its mechanical pipe organ was restored recently, being the only instrument of its type to be kept in its original location: the high choir of the old sanctuary.

The Oratorio de San Felipe Neri oratory (corners of Aguiar and Obrapía) first opened its doors in the XVII Century and after performing different religious activities, it was adapted to host a bank in 1929. Its façade dates from that time inspired in the Mexican baroque, even though the structure of the church was preserved. A short time ago the building was rehabilitated, now dedicated to lyric art and opera, taking into account its excellent acoustics and location in the historical centre.

This triad of temples hosts annually from January to the beginning of February, the “Esteban Salas” International Festival of Antique Music, that just celebrated its sixth edition this year. At other times during the year the concert season occupies the temples attended by its customary and faithful crowd of antique music lovers, and of course you are always welcome.