![[Go up a level]](../../../common/elements/badge.gif "Go up a level"){kind=icon}
![[Send E-mail]](../../../common/icons/email.gif){kind=icon}
The Kirsty MacColl web site
Because Kirsty loved Cuba, and its music, so much, an Educational Fund was set up in her name to provide aid for children trying to continue the country's great musical tradition.
The photo above is linked to a PDF brochure for the fund.
Cheque presented to the Cuban AmbassadorSoho Square, 12 August 2001
Donations have been welcomed to a special fund set up in memory of Kirsty, the Music Fund for Cuba (for how to add to the donations please see the foot of this page). It was decided to combine the Music Fund presentation with the fans' tribute of a Bench in Soho Square, and to have a joint day in London. First the bench was unveiled to the crowd of friends, family and friends. This was followed immediately by the presentation of a cheque for £11,200 to "Cuban Music Schools", represented by the Cuban Amabassador to Great Britain, His Excellency José Fernández de Cossio.
Steve Wilkinson, Cuba Solidarity Campaign (real
audio):
"As you all know, Kirsty was an avid supporter of Cuba and the gains of
its Socialist Revolution, and one of the last things she did was complete a history
of Cuban music for BBC Radio 2. In October last year I had the great privilege
of going with Kirsty to hand in a petition to the Foreign & Commonwealth
Office of 25,000 signatures against the American embargo of Cuba, where I can
tell you that Kirsty was a very direct, outspoken and courageous advocate of
the cause which we support. When she dies the Campaign was very pleased
when the idea came up for this fund - the fund is to raise money to provide instruments
and the things that instruments need, like strings and reeds and so on, for Cuban
music schools of which there are many as you all know - Cuba is very rich in
its musical heritage and also has a very extensive education system. So
this money which has been raised by you all and many others is going to go to
buy oboes, french horns, double bass instruments, cellos and reeds and strings
for all of those things which will be going to 23 music schools in 14 different
provinces right across Cuba. You all have raised a magnificent sum of money
so far, and more money is coming in, but this is what we've raised so far - it's
a cheque for £11,200. I'm going to give it to Jean to give to the
Cuban Ambassador to Great Britain, His Excellency José Fernández
de Cossio".
His Excellency José Fernández de Cossio, Jean MacColl, the ambassador's wife Mme Tania Domingues-Rosas and his deputy, Oscar de los Reyes. Photo: Tim Moock
His Excellency José Fernández de Cossio,
the Cuban Ambassador to Great Britain:
"I just want say Thank You on behalf of the Cuban people, this very touching
and very moving gesture, it goes directly to the students and to the professors
and teachers. Thank you."
Cuba is bursting with musical and cultural talent... from jazz musicians to ballet stars, from film directors to surrealist painters. More and more people across the world are becoming increasingly aware of Cuba's wonderful breadth of cultural development. However, this development is being severely hampered in one way or another by a lack of basic tools and materials. From violin strings to paper for music scores, from ballet shoes to paints, all are incredibly difficult to obtain. The reason for these shortages is the continuing United States' economic blockade of this small Caribbean Island.
The Music Fund for Cuba will draw people's attention to shortages in musical
instruments and musical equipment caused by the blockade and celebrate and
support the wonderful diversity of Cuban music
The Music Fund has two simple aims: to raise money to send musical equipment for schools and colleges and provide materials for music and cultural projects throughout Cuba. Secondly, it will facilitate a wider understanding of the breadth of Cuban culture and use visits and exchanges to further develop cultural links between Britain and Cuba.
'One violin string costs about a pound,
but for young musicians and those who want to hear them play the value is priceless'
Donations should be sent to:
Rob Miller,
Music Fund for Cuba
c/o CSC, Red Rose Club,
129 Seven Sisters Road, London N7 7QG
Tel. 020 7263 6452 Fax. 020 7561 0191
E.Mail:
© freeworld 1995 - 2008 [ www.kirstymaccoll.com ]
Style [ Standard ] [ Cool Blue ] [ Tropical ] [ Hangover ] [ Text ] [ BIG Text ]