Interview with Maribel Díaz

              Luis J. Botifoll Oral History Project
Interview with Maribel Díaz
Miami, Florida, June 27, 2012
Interview 5212.0095
Interviewed by Julio Estorino
Recorded by Javier Carrion
Outline by Julio Estorino and Fernando Espino
Interview with Maribel Díaz, daughter of renowned Cuban pianist and music instructor, Conchita Espinosa. Conchita founded music academies in Cuba and the United States, receiving numerous awards as a distinguished educator. Maribel currently runs her late mother's school, Conchita Espinosa Academy, in Miami.
This interview forms part of the Luis J. Botifoll Oral History Project of the Cuban Heritage Collection, University of Miami Libraries. The Botifoll Project is supported by the AMIGOS of the Cuban Heritage Collection. For more information about the Luis J. Botifoll Oral History Project, please visit http://library.miami.edu/chc/amigos/botifoll/.
This oral history expresses the views, memories and opinions of the interviewee. It does not represent the viewpoints of the University of Miami, its officers, agents, employees, or volunteers. The University of Miami makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of any information contained in the interview and expressly disclaims any liability therefor.
Copyright to this interview lies with the University of Miami. It may not be reproduced, retransmitted, published, distributed, or broadcast without the permission of the Cuban Heritage Collection. For information about obtaining copies or to request permission to publish any part of this interview, please contact the Cuban Heritage Collection at chc@miami.edu.
The following outline is written in Spanish, as the original interview was conducted.
Maribel Díaz 2
June 27, 2012
INTERVIEW OUTLINE
Part 1
- Nacimiento. Familia. Adolescencia.
- La vida de su madre, Conchita Espinosa. ¿Cómo empezó su carrera de pianista y maestra de música?
- El Conservatorio Conchita Espinosa. Fundación, crecimiento, fama.
- Su perspectiva sobre la revolución castrista.
- Saliendo de Cuba como niña. Operación Pedro Pan.
- ¿Cómo desarrolla su vida en Miami?
- La vida y carrera de Conchita Espinosa en Miami. ¿Cómo empieza a dar clase como maestra? La fundación del conservatorio en Miami.
- Los tiempos duros del exilio.
- La importancia de la música en su familia.
- Anécdotas del colegio.
- El impacto de las escuelas privadas cubanas en la comunidad de exilio.
Part 2
- El éxito económico y social de Conchita.
- Manteniendo el cubanismo en exilio. ¿Cómo su familia conserva la cultura, entre familia y en la comunidad?
- Honores y acreditaciones del conservatorio.
- Alumnos notables del conservatorio.
- El legado de Conchita Espinosa.
- Su mensaje.