As seen on TV, this award-winning documentary captures a musical Cuba never before seen. Telling the story of the musicians of the chamber orchestra, the Camerata Romeu (a young female first-cousin of Buena Vista Social Club), this special film, seen on PBS, features ten beautiful musicians, playing the harmonies of Cuba and demonstrating the power of music to cross the boundaries of nation, gender, and time.By turns funny, angry, lyrical, and moving, Cuba Mia takes us into the lives of these dedicated musicians, as they juggle a fierce rehearsal schedule (they play everything from memory) with everyday life and relationships, offering a slice of Cuban life seldom seen on the world's screens. Theirs are young lives filled with dreams and sacrifices, victories and defeats, numbing work and moments of genius. Amazingly talented, incredibly beautiful, Cuban to the core, this DVD is filled with dazzling faces and fiery performances that will both astonish and delight. The Camerata Romeu is led by Zenaida Romeu, one of the world's most gifted conductors, who was born into a family of Cuban performers and composers spanning several generations. They are a string orchestra that plays everything from Mozart and Classical to World music, from their native folk songs to fiery renditions of a new Cuban music that incorporates the island's popular rhythms taken from Africa, Spain, and Latin American Indians. Their perfect blend of multiple violins, cello, and bass creates a sound all their own. Whether thrilling audiences in small Cuban towns, playing to packed houses in the U.S. and Europe, or performing in their stunning Basilica in Old Havana, these outrageously gifted women play with a joy and passion that defies description. This award-winning film, directed by Cecilia Domeyko, the creator of dozens of films capturing the Hispanic experience in the U.S. and Latin America, is an inspiration, matching stirring music with brilliant editing and memorable images, creating a celebration of talent, courageousness, imagination, and dedication. A multiple award winner, Cuba Mia: Portrait of an All-Woman Orchestra captures the lives, music, and harmonies of the Cuban soul. The Orchestra:
Zenaida Romeu: Conductor/Founder
Yadira Cobo: Violin
Yescenia Fales: Cello
Yohima Fernandez: Viola
Anolan Gonzalez: Viola
Veronica Reyes: Violia
Lianne Lastre: Percussion
Dayren Santamaria: Violin
Caridad Zaldivia: Bass DVD BONUS FEATURES:
Complete Spanish Version
Bonus Video Concert Performance
Bonus Music: 5 Additional Songs from the Camerata Romeu
Cafe L.A. Radio Interview & Performance
The Making Of Cuba Mia Featurette
About the Camerata Romeu
Director's Biography
Awards & Distinctions
Over 30 Scene Selections
Dolby Stereo Audio
DVD Recommendations |
| Actors:
| Zenaida Romeu, Camerata Romeu, Yadira Cobo, Yescenia Fales, Yohima Fernandez | | Director:
| Cecilia Domeyko | | Format:
| Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DVD, Full Screen, HiFi Sound, NTSC | | Language:
| English, Spanish | | Number of Discs:
| 1 | | Studio:
| Arkadia DVD | | Run Time:
| 86 minutes | | DVD Release Date:
| September 16, 2005 | | Average Customer Rating:
|  based on 5 reviews |
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Average Customer Review:
 ( 5 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 found the following review helpful:
 Refreshing, culturally and Spiritually soothingDec 30, 2007
By Francisco J. Perez
For those who appreciate culture and classical music and yearn for a refreshing new performance, this DVD is worth owning, watching and sharing for years to come. Unfortunately, AMAZON's description of "actors" is wrong. Celia Cruz and others cited are not in the film. This award winning documentary/film is an enjoyable expression of a group of women who live in Cuba and play deligthfully well and cohesively. The Romeu Camarata provides us with an excellent example of the art of music and specifically, Cuban classical music. With very limited resources, the performers share their passion and devotion. I hope others will enjoy it as much as I have.
6 of 8 found the following review helpful:
CUBA Con Mucho Gusto!Jan 05, 2006
By Ellen Gabin
This is a spectacular look at the resiliance, creativity and talent of the Cuban people. A country rich in culture is blessed with superior musical educational opportunity..... without class, color or gender bias. The director, the artists and the conductor give a realistic portrayal of Cuban life and the music skills combine to enrich the experience. A complete treat visually. One weeps with joy at the beauty of the group and the musical interpretations. Exceptional!
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 will powerFeb 05, 2010
By Athos G. Colon
Incredible testament to will power. These women do play great Cuban classical music in a country where resources are hard to come by. After I saw this documentary, how passionate these women are about their music I felt like sending them sets of strings (spare) for their violins, cellos and bass. The have so little and do so much with what they have. Good art will always survive.
6 of 9 found the following review helpful:
 FrustratingMar 30, 2006
By Hortensia G. Delatorre
There is about seven minutes of music, the rest is devoted to the lives and doings of ten music ladies and their families. I spent over one hour waiting for a concert that never happened.
 Cuban string orchestraMay 29, 2011
By C. M. Noble
An interesting DVD about an orchestra. I was a little disappointed that this DVD is a bit in the past now. I heard the orchestra on Cubavista satellite TV in 2011 when they were stunning and there were more orchestra members. I should have preferred more orchestral playing and less biographies.
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