My name is Arsenio Diaz, and I want to invite you to enjoy the live sound of the Sitar, the most significant and extraordinary musical instrument in the Hindustani music.
Live Sitar Music. Meditation music. Yoga music. These are the most common terms associated to this beautiful instrument.
However, besides adding charm and fantasy to any event or venue with its mesmerizing sound, or connecting the participants of yoga classes and mindfulness events with a higher state of consciousness by using the complex and refined tradition of Classical Indian music, the Sitar has been much more to me.
This majestic instrument has accompanied my approach to music that focuses on ethno-convergence and multiculturalism. Since I strongly believe that art is significant to society and that has the ability to unite people across the spectrum of humanity, I love to create and perform music that builds bridges between cultures, and inspires and unites people across the spectrum of humanity.
I got my degree in Music and Classical Guitar in Havana, Cuba on 2003. After my graduation, I continued my studies in the National Laboratory of Electro Acoustic Music in Havana, and was hired by the National Center of Concert Music in Cuba to perform several concerts all over my native country and to participate in record sessions as interpreter and arranger. Settled in the USA, I was hired by the Miami Dade College (Hialeah campus) as a guitar instructor, and also was accepted as student by Bharti D. Chokshi, the executive president of the Association of Performing Arts of India (APAI), to receive lessons of Sitar and Indian classical music. Also, I have participated in workshops led by the prestigious musician Alam Khan.
On July 2021, I had the opportunity to create and present the program “Point of Convergence – A Musical and Dance Voyage” with the support of the Miami Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Koubek Center. This is a program that recognizes and respects cultural differences by promoting the understanding of ethnic heritage through music and dance. This program features the use of ethnic instruments such as the Sitar, Tabla drums, Bata drums, and Suona horn (to name a few) to highlight the mesmerizing and skillful Afro-Cuban and Indian dances.
On 2022, I was one of the awardees of a grant by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, through its Miami Individual Artists (MIA) Stipend Program. With this award, I developed “La Diosa del Templo” (The Goddess of the Temple), a multidisciplinary project that incorporated live music, dance, acting, and sensory effects. Shocked how superstition and some religious ceremonies are still affecting the lives of children around the globe through ritual sacrifices, I decided through this project to bring awareness to this cruel reality.
In the past, I have been a member of Luyano Band and DJ Ma Non Troppo trio. Being part of these projects, I have had the opportunity to follow my passion about ethno-convergence and multiculturalism by experimenting with different musical genres and sonorities as well as ethnic instruments. Also, this has given me the opportunity to perform in prestigious institutions such as Miami Dade County Auditorium, TEMS, CCEM, MDC, The Historic Asolo theater, The Koubek Center, The Sacred Space Miami, and MOCA North Miami among others.
I am also very proud of having the opportunity to work with excellent organizations such as Faena Art, Fundarte, Conecta Miami Arts, The Ringling, Artefactus, and others.
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