Lico Jiménez

Documentary Soundtrack

Lico Jiménez - the Ebony Liszt

A documentary about the Father of Cuban Art Song, child prodigy Afro Cuban pianist and composer José Manuel "Lico" Jiménez Berroa (1851-1917), told through the eyes of his great grandchildren who meet for the first time on the cobblestones of Trinidad de Cuba, the conservatories of Leipzig and Hamburg, a chateau in Tours, SGAE in Madrid and a concert hall in Miami to revive his music.

Lico Jiménez · 57a1
Cuba, 1800's

Social Context

The 19th century was a period of political and racial turmoil in Cuba and Europe. It was during this period that the Jiménez and Berroa families lived in an area of Trinidad, Cuba as 'free' Blacks due to the fact that Lico's grandparents, already renowned classical musicians, fled Saint-Domingue in 1794 as 'free' Blacks during the Haitian Rebellion. Spaniard by nationality, Lico made three transatlantic journeys, greatly influencing the music of both continents.

Purchase Lico's Sheet Music
We interview Lico's twenty three descendants in sixteen cities and five countries about the transgenerational transmission of artistry and resilience.
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"The art songs of Lico Jiménez are German Lied, sung in Spanish with nineteenth century Cuban diction." Isidro Betancourt Benítez, MA

Lico's Album, "Hommage"
Explore Lico Jiménez in the News: English Press German Press
Directors Statement:
"As an Afro-cuban musician, I became instantly curious about Lico Jiménez's story. During my research I met Lico Jiménez's descendants who allowed me to access their family memories, passed down from generation to generation. They have shown me how to keep the artistic flame."
- Isidro Betancourt Benítez, MA

The Team

Lico Jiménez Music Competition 2027
Competition City
From the Heart Productions

Dear Friends of our Lico documentary, If you want to contribute to the post production of our feature music documentary, "Lico Jimenez the Ebony Liszt" please choose one of our three fiscal sponsors.
Luminario Ballet

Through these reputable 501(c)3 nonprofits, registered in the State of California, your donation is tax deductible. If you choose to pay by check, please include 'LICO DOCUMENTARY' in the subject line.

Thank you for your interest and support of music education through our documentary.

Isidro Betancourt, MA
Julie Carmen, MA
Creative Visions