Photo: Archive/Radio Angulo

Martín Arranz: From Opera Singing to Tango and Radio

Martín Arranz Fuentes has dedicated more than 40 years to radio. It all began in the 1970s when he was part of the Catholic church choir. Met his friend Eladio Osorio, who worked as an operator at CMKO Radio Angulo.

One day, Eladio visited Martín’s house and discovered his immense record collection, especially those of Carlos Gardel. He immediately mentioned it to Manuel Angulo, who hosted the program “Gardel’s Diary.”

And so, little by little, thanks to music, that young opera singer became increasingly involved in CMKO’s programming.

Two programs have defined Martín Arranz’s radio career, two musical genres he has staunchly championed over the years and which he still enjoys producing today. These are “Domingo Lírico” (Lyrical Sunday) and “La Voz Inmortal de Carlos Gardel” (The Immortal Voice of Carlos Gardel).

“Lyrical Sunday” arose from the need created by the surge in popularity of this art form in the city, following the founding of the Holguin Lyric Theater. Amalia Raber, the first female operator at CMKO radio, asked Raúl Camayd to create a program to promote this genre. Thus, in July 1963, Camayd launched the program with Vilma Pérez de Aguiar as host.

Martín Arranz joined “Lyrical Sunday” in the 1980s as a scriptwriter. Until 1991 when he took over as host and director after Raúl Camayd’s death, respecting the original concept and design. It used to air on Sundays at 8 p.m., but now you can tune in at 6 p.m.

A few years after this program was created, “The Immortal Voice of Carlos Gardel” was founded, specifically on July 7th, 1972. This project originated from a project by Manuel Angulo. It aired Saturdays and Sundays at 4:30 p.m. and was directed by Félix González Vega.

Martín joined “The Immortal Voice of Carlos Gardel” thanks to his enormous collection of Gardel records. Which he took over after Félix González left the program. It currently airs on Sundays at 8 a.m.

In the more than 40 years that Martín Arranz has dedicated to radio, it’s true that “Lyrical Sunday,” with its 63rd anniversary. And “The Immortal Voice of Carlos Gardel,” with its 54th, have been the programs to which he has devoted his life, but they are not the only ones. He worked on “Spain Voices,” “Inside’s Corner,” and “Choirs,” all in the 1980s.

Martín has music and art in his blood. He’s a humble, tireless man with a deep passion for radio. Martín is one of those people you can’t help but love once you meet him. We thank him for everything.

By: Yailyn Ojeda Grass

Radio Angulo
Latest posts by Radio Angulo (see all)