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Diego Ernesto Cabán Moreno Takes Over the Stage in Rincón
On Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., the Teatro Municipal de Rincón will be filled with the sounds of Puerto Rico’s national instrument as Diego Ernesto Cabán Moreno presents his graduation recital. Free and open to the public, this event is more than a recital. It’s a milestone reflecting years of passion, discipline, family and community support, and love for music.
While students in Puerto Rico’s Escuela Libre de Música system typically hold graduation recitals in their school theaters, Diego decided to do things differently. For him, this moment belongs in Rincón, his hometown. The town where he grew up, where he has performed in the plaza and at various community events, and where he has found his path as a musician.
A Familiar Face in Rincón
Over the past few years, Diego has been performing all over Rincón. You’ve probably seen him in the plaza, at municipal events, during the Fiestas Patronales, or at community celebrations like Parrandeando con los Bueyes and COOP Rincón events—always with his cuatro.
Being part of these events has helped him connect with local audiences and understand what music means to people in his community.
Family, Tradition, and Finding His Sound
Diego’s passion for the cuatro began at home, not in a classroom. His grandfather Arin, a cuatrista from Rincón, gave him his first cuatro. Later his other grandfather, Panky, gave him another. From the age of 12, when he played the cuatro for the first time, he fell in love with the instrument and began learning everything about it. What started as interest became commitment and a clear path forward.
Beyond traditional Puerto Rican music, salsa excites him a lot. Artists like Yomo Toro have inspired him to explore the genre, while figures like Willie Colón have influenced how he approaches arrangements, both as a cuatrista and as a composer.
When working on his own arrangements, he starts with a base and a mental idea. He then develops and adjusts elements, creating parts for each instrument as the process unfolds.
A Night of Versatility
Diego’s range will be fully on display during his recital. Alongside traditional cuatro repertoire, he will also perform on electric guitar, bass, and congas. He will present original arrangements that highlight his versatility as a musician. The program will showcase not only his technical skill. It will also demonstrate his ability to push beyond expectations of what a cuatrista can do.
The afternoon will also feature a lineup of special guests. These include Conjunto Caona from the Escuela Libre de Música de Mayagüez, where he has studied under Professor Luis Millán for the past three years. Also joining are young troubadour Alejandro Rivera from Naranjito, Jóvenes del Areyto, and maestro Nelson Manuel Gómez of Son Nación.
A Growing List of Achievements
Diego’s dedication has already translated into significant accomplishments across the island.
In 2023, he earned third place in the Puerto Rican cuatro competition in Morovis, organized by the Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña, in the 12–14 age category. Later that same year, he placed third again. Tthis time in the 15–22 category during the National Cuatro Day competition. He was also named Student of the Year at the Escuela de Bellas Artes de Aguadilla (CABA).
In 2025, he returned to the Instituto de Cultura competition and earned second place in the 15–22 category, establishing himself among the island’s top young cuatristas. He was also selected as one of only three students island-wide to receive a scholarship from the Asociación de Padres y Amigos de Orquestas Secundarias y Superiores (APAOSS), which led to a performance at the Sala Sinfónica de Puerto Rico.
His experience continued to grow through participation in Banco Popular Foundation programs. As part of Revive la Música, he performed alongside Latin Grammy-nominated artist Daymé Arocena in December. Recently, he was selected as one of 12 young musicians for the Musical Acceleration Orchestra, performing at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico with Pirulo y La Tribu. This performance was especially meaningful, as he was able to play songs he had previously performed with Jóvenes del Areyto, creating an unforgettable experience.
What’s Next
Even with all these achievements, Diego remains focused on growth.
He has been accepted into the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico. There he will pursue a bachelor’s degree in Jazz and Caribbean Music Performance. His next chapter will focus on expanding his musical language, exploring new genres, and continuing to evolve as both a performer and arranger.
Looking ahead, his goal is to share Puerto Rican music in a modern way. He hopes to combine original arrangements with a fresh approach that connects with new generations while keeping the tradition of the cuatro alive.
A Moment Worth Showing Up For
This recital represents more than a graduation. It reflects years of dedication, the influence of family, and the support of a community that has watched Diego grow as a musician.
On April 25, the stage will belong to a young artist just beginning his journey. But one whose path is already filled with achievements and passion. For Rincón, it’s an opportunity to celebrate one of its own.
Diego’s graduation recital is free and open to the public. Teatro Municipal de Rincón. Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. For more information, please visit our events calendar.