The esteemed ancient music ensemble, Ars Longa, is reeling from the theft of a rare instrument known as a sackbut—a precursor to the modern trombone. In a heartfelt Facebook post, director Teresa Paz highlighted the plea of a group member, urgently requesting the return of the stolen sackbut, which was taken from a vehicle on Thursday. Those wishing to return the instrument can leave it at the Church of Paula.
The theft took place on the afternoon of April 24, as shared by Marisel González, who plays the instrument in Ars Longa. To steal the sackbut, the main lock on the car trunk was broken. "This is an ancient instrument, a predecessor to the trombone, and the only one of its kind in the country," González noted on social media.
Another ensemble member, Abraham Castillo Moreno, implored for the return of the sackbut, emphasizing its limited value outside its specialized context. "If you're not the one playing the sackbut in Ars Longa, it holds no worth for you. Return it. No other Cuban ancient music group will purchase it for use. Return it. You can't even use it as a trombone. Return it," he stressed.
Castillo explained that, after nearly 20 years in use, the instrument's market value is negligible. "Moreover, I don't see how you plan to get it out of the country," the bassoonist remarked in his post.
Just a year ago, renowned Cuban trumpeter Manuel Machado reported the theft of his musical instruments after departing from Havana's airport. Machado, who has professionally collaborated with major Cuban music ensembles like Irakere, Opus 13, and Raíces Nuevas, shared that on January 9, 2024, his Vicent Bach trumpet and flugelhorn were stolen as he left the capital's airport. Machado did not elaborate on the circumstances surrounding the theft.
He reflected that "the loss transcends material value, as these instruments become an extension of the musician, imbued with memories and emotions." Despite the Cuban government's claims to heighten police and judicial efforts to combat the rise in crime, corruption, and illegal activities as part of a stringent social control strategy, crime rates in the country continue to surge unabated.
Understanding the Theft of Musical Instruments in Cuba
Why is the sackbut significant to Ars Longa?
The sackbut is significant to Ars Longa because it is an ancient instrument, a forerunner of the trombone, and the only one of its kind in Cuba, making it irreplaceable for their performances.
What challenges does the theft of musical instruments pose?
The theft of musical instruments poses challenges such as disrupting performances, loss of irreplaceable items, and emotional distress for musicians who consider their instruments as extensions of themselves.
How is the Cuban government responding to rising crime rates?
The Cuban government claims to be intensifying police and judicial efforts to combat rising crime rates, aiming to establish strict social control, though crime continues to escalate.