Xiomara Alfaro
Xiomara Alfaro was a Cuban coloratura soprano. Her interpretation of Cuban composer and pianist Ernesto Lecuona's "Siboney" was the composer's favorite.
Early life
Alfaro was born in Havana. She was a musical child, and won a contest for young singers sponsored by Radio Suaritos; she regularly appeared on Radio Suaritos broadcasts, which led to further opportunities. Her sister Olympia Alfaro was also known a singer.Career
Alfaro was a star of the Cuban music scene of the 1950s. She was in the original cast of Batamú, a musical revue by Obdulio Morales. She became famous as a singer of bolero music, with a clear, strong soprano voice well suited to the genre. She was known as "El Ruiseñor de la Cancion" and as "La Alondra de la Cancion".Alfaro's film appearances included a vocal performance alongside the Katherine Dunham dancers in Mambo, and a role in Olé…Cuba!, which also featured fellow Afro-Cuban singer Celia Cruz. She made more than two dozen recordings for RCA Records and other labels.
"I'm a very spiritual person," she explained in a 2007 interview. "I try to transmit to my audience when I sing. God gave me a gift. And when God gives you something, you use it."