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Havana Municipal Band

Band: Havana Municipal Band
From: Havana, Cuba
Director: Guillermo M. Tomas
Source: Cuba en la Exposición pan americana de Buffalo, 1901. Habana: Impr. de V. Lopez Veiga, 1901.

The following text from Cuba en la Exposición pan americana de Buffalo, 1901, p. 129-130, makes note of the acclaim this band achieved at the Exposition and elsewhere.

It is safe to say that nothing in connection with the Buffalo Exposition attracted greater interest, or contributed more to the pleasure of visitors from all countries and all climes, than did the music of the Police or Municipal Band of the City of Havana. Under the direction of its director, Sr. Guillermo M. Tomas, this band gained a renown in the United States such as has been seldom won by any musical organization from a foreign country. At the opening of the Wisconsin Building, where now famous musicians were invited to contribute to the pleasure of the entertainment, Mr. Tomas, was presented with a gold medal of artistic workmanship as a tribute to his ability as a leader. Another gold medal from the citizens of Boston was bestowed upon him which bears the following inscription "To Capt. G. M. Tomas, for his magnificent interpretation of our 'Star Spangled Banner". A letter which accompanied the present, contains the following. "As Americans and Patriots we have always loved the Star Spangled Banner, but not until we heard it interpreted by you, have we fully appreciated the true inspiration embodied in our own hymn." The Director General of the Exposition, Mr. Buchanan, in response to requests, not only from commissioners of the various states but from the representatives of the Spanish American Republica, induced this band to give evening concerts in the Central Esplanade during their stay in Buffalo. The celebration of Cuba's day at the Buffalo Exposition will ever be remembered by Cubans and Americans alike, as a pleasurable and significant event, which can but foreshadow happier times to come.

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