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Cuban violinist Omar Puente inspires next generation in Hitchin
Cuban violinist Omar Puente with young members of Hitchin Violin School at Westmill Community Centre. Picture: Gary Durham - Credit: Archant
Young and old alike were inspired when Cuban violinist Omar Puente visited Hitchin Violin School at the weekend.
Cuban violinist Omar Puente delivers his masterclass to Hitchin Violin School at Westmill Community Centre. Picture: Gary Durham - Credit: Archant
Omar gave a violin masterclass for instrumentalists of all abilities on Saturday at Westmill Community Centre, with pupils as young as three years old.
Omar now lives in the UK, and Hitchin Violin School’s Caroline Owen was his first student in this country. She said bringing him to her hometown was her way of giving something back.
She told the Comet: “It is so important for the next generation of musicians to have an experience like this, a memory of a lifetime, in a time where talent is portrayed in the mainstream media as a quick fix to stardom.
Young members of Hitchin Violin School during Omar Puente's visit. Picture: Gary Durham - Credit: Archant
“Young people observed how investing time in your skills now can have profound results.”
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Omar, who had performed at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in Soho the night before, happily signed copies of his latest album Best Foot Forward for the young musicians.
The visit made a keen impression on the youngsters. Gary Powell said his eight-year-old daughter Matilda had insisted it was the best day of her life.
Cuban violinist Omar Puente with Caroline Owen, far right, and members of Hitchin Violin School at Westmill Community Centre. Picture: Gary Durham - Credit: Archant
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He said: “I was watching her closely during the time there and she hardly took her eyes off him.
“It was amazing – what a fantastic guy Omar is. Genuine, warm and truly inspirational. An unforgettable day.”
To find out more about Hitchin Violin School or to get involved in future projects, get in touch with Caroline at carolineviolinist.com.
Cuban violinist Omar Puente with three-yerar-old Omar Shaaban, son of Hitchin Violin School's Caroline Owen, at Westmill Community Centre. Picture: Gary Durham - Credit: Archant
Cuban violinist Omar Puente with five-year-old Dija at Hitchin Violin School. Picture: Gary Durham - Credit: Archant
