Rolando Borrero Oviedo, a distinguished cellist who served as the principal cellist for 15 years with the Orchestra of the Gran Teatro de La Habana "Alicia Alonso", is now seen performing for tips on the streets of the Cuban capital. This surprising turn of events was shared in a video posted on Instagram by content creator Jankiel Yera.
Borrero's illustrious journey began at the Guillermo Tomás Conservatory of Music in Guanabacoa, where he was part of the first graduating class to complete both elementary and intermediate levels. He then contributed four years of social service to the National Symphony Orchestra of Cuba. From 2010 until November 2025, he was a part of the Gran Teatro's orchestra, a tenure that included seven consecutive years as principal cellist, followed by a stint in the general cello section, and then a return to his original role.
When asked why someone of his caliber is playing on the streets rather than in an orchestra, Borrero highlighted the paradox of Cuba's cultural scene. "In Cuba, it's all upside down. Classical music is paid much less than popular music, opposite to how it is in Europe," he explained.
To illustrate the prestige yet poor compensation of his former role, Borrero compared his position to being the first cellist at both the New York Ballet and the Paris Opera simultaneously, as he performed for both opera and ballet.
The Clash with Institutional Expectations
The breakdown with the institution occurred following a disagreement with the orchestra's director. After 15 years, Borrero sought a promotion to soloist status to improve his earnings, only to be told he needed to re-audition. "It's completely illogical after 15 years of performing ballet solos," he remarked. "If I don't play the solo, the dancers can't dance. If I stop playing, they can't continue. I'm as crucial as the dancers themselves."
Adding to his disillusionment was the fact that while the ballet and its director traveled the world, the orchestra remained inactive in Cuba. "It was the ballet touring globally, the director traveling, and the orchestra staying idle in Cuba. Eventually, it becomes overwhelming," he admitted.
Financial Strain and Public Reaction
Official salaries contribute to this exasperation. According to the Ministry of Labor's Resolution 4/2026, soloists from the orchestra earned between 5,060 and 5,310 Cuban pesos monthly. Despite a raise under Resolution 23/2026, effective since July, that increased this to 8,500 pesos for soloists, this equates to merely 11 to 12 US dollars per month on the informal exchange market.
The video quickly drew responses from well-known Cuban cultural figures. Randy Malcom of Gente de Zona expressed, "Incredible and sad to see such things." Percussionist Rodney Barreto, a fellow alumnus of Borrero's school, lamented, "It's a shame to see him like this. I've known him since he was young, and he was always very talented." Comedian El Habanero suggested a fundraising campaign to help the musician travel to Europe, while dancer Fredy Clan voiced his concern and wished for the world to "enjoy and pay for his talent."
Borrero's situation is indicative of a broader crisis in Cuba's artistic community. This month, the Havana International Ballet Festival was canceled due to the institution's current state, and the ballet company shrank from over 100 dancers to about 55 between 2022 and 2025, according to reports on the exodus of Cuban artists. Jankiel Yera concluded the video with a poignant reflection: "This is how musicians of this caliber must end up. The same happens in sports, cinema, and any field where faith was placed."
Understanding the Plight of Cuban Artists
Why is Rolando Borrero playing on the streets instead of in an orchestra?
Borrero is performing on the streets due to the inadequate pay and paradoxical conditions of the Cuban cultural sector, where classical music is undervalued compared to popular music.
What was Borrero's role in the Gran Teatro de La Habana orchestra?
He served as the principal cellist, a position he compared to being the lead cellist for both the New York Ballet and the Paris Opera, performing for both opera and ballet.
How have official salaries affected Cuban musicians?
Official salaries are significantly low, with soloists earning the equivalent of just 11 to 12 US dollars per month, which contributes to the financial struggles of Cuban musicians.
What is the broader impact on Cuba's artistic community?
Cuba's artistic community is facing a crisis, exemplified by the cancellation of the Havana International Ballet Festival and the significant reduction in the number of ballet dancers.