Pablo Casals

Pablo Casals (1876-1973) was the greatest cellist of the 20th century — a Catalan musician who chose Puerto Rico as his home in exile and transformed the island's classical music scene. His decision to live in Puerto Rico from 1956 until his death made the island an international center for classical music.

Casals left Spain in protest of Franco's fascist dictatorship and eventually settled in Puerto Rico, where his mother, María, had been born. His Puerto Rico years were extraordinarily productive:

• Casals Festival (1957-present): Founded the annual music festival that brought world-class performers to Puerto Rico — establishing the island as a destination for classical music
• Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra: Helped establish and develop the orchestra
• Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico: Supported the development of music education
• United Nations performance: His iconic 1971 UN performance of his composition 'El Cant dels Ocells' (Song of the Birds) was a statement for peace and against authoritarianism

Casals chose Puerto Rico — a colony — as his refuge from fascism. This choice was significant: he saw in Puerto Rico a culture worthy of his art, a people deserving of world-class music. His presence elevated Puerto Rico's cultural profile internationally while his personal commitment to human rights and anti-fascism aligned with Puerto Rico's own struggles for self-determination.

He died in San Juan in 1973 at age 96. The Casals Festival continues annually in his honor.