Today I propose you to approach to an illustrious daughter of Camagüey: Amalia Simoni Argilagos. Who was born in Port-au-Prince, on June 10, 1842, the eldest of the two daughters of the marriage formed by the doctor José Ramón Simoni and Manuela Argilagos.
Much of her is known as the wife and eternal lover of her Ignacio, but little is said about her artistic gifts. When we celebrate a new anniversary of her birth we discover her relationship with music.
The story
On May 26, 1870 Amalia falls prisoner and is forced to emigrate. The exile was another proof of sacrifice for her legendary family, because the climate, the North American idiosyncrasy and the aggravated economic needs force them to travel again to Mexico, searching for better living conditions.
In this new home, José Ramón Simoni develops a humanitarian task by opening a modest clinic where he introduces homeopathy, green medicine and also begins to alphabetize the community.
Meanwhile, his daughter Amalia, opens the first conservatory of lyrical and choir singing for young ladies, which helped to support the family.
During her studies and cultural development Amalia had taken music lessons, while she perfected her knowledge of piano and singing, which helped her survive in a second exile in New York.
Back in the United States, she raises funds for the fight. During that season she acts as a soprano at De Garmo Hall, in charity functions and it is well received by the critics, who even considered her voice among the best and well-pitched of that time, information that we now know thanks to the notes of her friend, the poetess Aurelia del Castillo.
Back at home
Amalia Simoni, the loving wife of Ignacio Agramonte, the passionate supporter of the independence movement was privileged with a beautiful well-pitched voice, that is why after the opening of the Teatro Principal of Camagüey in 1912, she delighted the refined public of the city with her operas and zarzuelas.
When speaking of opera in Camagüey, always among the names of women who gave prestige to the scene with their songs, is Amalia Simoni, who between melodies and loving lyrics returns to her homeland every June morning.
Photo: taken from Habana Radio
Translated into English by Ashley Rodríguez Pérez
