New Aída Bonelly de Díaz Cultural Hall at National Theater

New Aída Bonelly de Díaz Cultural Hall at National Theater
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic 11/27/2011

The Ministry of Culture recently hung a new plaque when it announced the opening of the new Aída Bonelly de Díaz Cultural Hall of the National Theater. The hall is named in honor of this renowned Dominican pianist, narrator, essayist and educator. This event is part of Dominican Music Week.

Finally, on Friday, November 25, the festive week came to a close with the conference, “José de Jesús Ravelo, Juan Francisco García and Manuel Simó: Father of Dominican Music” moderated by pianist and educator Víctor Soñé del Monte.

The measure was approved by the National Council on Culture in August at the request of a prestigious group of musicians headed by maestro Julio de Windt.

The dedication of the new hall was presided over by Culture Minister José Rafael Lantigua, accompanied by the Director General of the National Theater,  Niní Cáffaro, music critic Margarita Miranda de Mitrov and Victoria Amelia Díaz Bonelly, Aída Bonelly’s daughter.

Mr. Lantigua, in his speech, said this recognition “honors her vast and dignified career in Dominican music, art and literature. We bestow upon her this honor which is not temporary or in passing, but rather is a lifetime recognition of her excellence.”

Following the speech, he revealed the plaque with the name of the hall and a portrait of Aída Bonelly painted by the well-known artist, Dustin Muñoz.

In the name of her mother, Victoria Amelia Díaz Bonelly thanked Ministry of Culture for this tribute while adding that this honor is of special significance in that her mother worked for many years at the National Theater.   

Others present at the ceremony included Bernarda Jorge, Deputy Minister for Creativity and Popular Participation; Lourdes Camilo de Cuello, Deputy Minister for Cultural Heritage; Alexander Santana, Deputy Administrative Minister; Caonex Peguero, Director of the National Children’s and Youth Orchestra System; Idelisa Bonelly, Aida’s sister, among others in the Dominican cultural circle.

Celebrations for Dominican Music Week continued with a tribute to Manuel Troncoso, which was part of the plan to recognize Dominican composers. The ceremony was held in the Juan Lockward Bar of the National Theater.

Finally, on Friday, November 25, the festive week came to a close with the conference, “José de Jesús Ravelo, Juan Francisco García and Manuel Simó: Father of Dominican Music” moderated by pianist and educator Víctor Soñé del Monte.

About Aída Bonelly de Díaz

Aída Bonelly is a renowned Dominican pianist, narrator, essayist and educator who graduated from the Julliard School of Music in New York in 1949. She also studied in Paris and Washington.

Aida was the director of the National Theater on two separate occasions. She was the author of authoritative musical essays, among which is “En torno a la música¨ which was awarded a National Didactic Prize in 1978 and “Síntesis de la historia de la música dominicana.” She also wrote numerous books including but not limited to: “Testimonio del canto y la palabra”, “Retablo de costumbres dominicanas”; “Por los trillos del arte: vivencias, semblanzas e inquietudes”;  “Variaciones”; and “Vuelo de amigos.”

Bonelly de Díaz, widow of the writer Virgilio Díaz Grullón, has also been recognized as a writer of children’s books and for several years she was a columnist for the magazine, Ahora and newspaper, Listín Diario.

From left to right: Aída Bonelly de Díaz’s daughter, Victoria Amelia Díaz Bonelly; Idelisa Bonelly, Aida’s sister; José Rafael Lantigua, Minister of Culture; painter Dustin Muñoz; Bernarda Jorge, Deputy Minister of Creativity and Popular Participation and Niní Cáffaro, Director of the National Theater.

Victoria Amelia Díaz Bonelly expressing appreciation for the recognition being given to her mother.

The Minister of Culture giving the main speech.

The unveiling of the plaque in the name of outstanding musician and educator, Aída Bonelly de Díaz.