The recent news that Omara Portuondo is retiring from public performances on international tours has caused a logical stir in the world press. However, there are decisions that, as difficult as they may seem, ultimately reflect a balanced wisdom.

No matter how well our Omara is in good health, at 91 years of age there are more than enough reasons to meditate on the convenience for her organism to continue offering concerts in any international scenario that calls for her physical presence.

Sometimes, it is life itself that makes decisions without prior notice, as has happened to the legendary British musician Eric Clapton, who, at 77 years of age, due to the affectation of a peripheral neuropathy, cannot stand while playing the guitar in concerts, and has threatened to retire from the stage on more than one occasion, but not from studio recordings.

In that sense, we applaud this thoughtful decision by the Buenavista Social Club Diva who, in great shape for her age, has nonetheless chosen to devote more time not only to making records, but also to family and friends. For a person as intensely passionate about music as Omara Portuondo, such a circumstance should not worry us, since we will have the opportunity to continue treasuring new recordings that collect the talent of this revered Cuban singer, whose interpretation has made her universally famous.

Source: Granma

Photo: Juvenal Balán