Renowned musician and songwriter Rafael Solano marked his 94th birthday with a special concert featuring several artists who performed his compositions, El Dia reports. The event, “A Puerto Plata por Amor” (To Puerto Plata with Love), took place at the Plaza Independencia and drew audiences from across the country.
The concert showcased a diverse range of musical genres, with performances by Cecilia García, Niní Cáffaro and Adalgisa Pantaleón, all of whom have shared a musical bond with Solano throughout their careers. Other notable singers included Fátima Franco, Flor Canela, Paín Bencosme, and Rubén Mirabal, accompanied by saxophonists Juan Colón and Sandy Gabriel and a band with 20 musicians.
Solano himself attended the entire concert, relishing in hearing his creations performed by the invited artists and reminiscing about his musical beginnings in the very same park where poet Juan Llibre had once predicted his success as a musician.
Adalgisa Pantaleón, visibly emotional during her performance, described Solano as more than just a teacher and role model: “Rafael is my father,” she said while singing “El 10 de abril.”
Cecilia García expressed gratitude to Solano for choosing to celebrate his birthday in his hometown. The versatile singer also showcased her comedic side, with Sandy Gabriel accompanying her on saxophone during several performances.
The musical celebration, directed by Maestro Rafelito Mirabal and produced by Solano’s daughter Patricia, honored the life and career of one of the Dominican Republic’s most prolific and longest-living musicians.
The concert ended with all the artists joining together to perform Solano’s iconic song “Por Amor,” which has made him famous both in the Dominican Republic and worldwide, keeping his legacy alive for over half a century.
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El Dia
11 June 2025