"The award is a coveted prize given once a year," said de la Vega. "It was very touching and wonderful."

De la Vega received the 2004 Herencia Award in Januray.

After earning a Ph.D. in law at the University of Havana in Cuba and a Ph.D. in music composition at Cuba's Conservatorio Ada Iglesias, the Cuban-born de la Vega studied with composers Fritz Kramer in Havana and Ernst Toch in Los Angeles. He came to the United States in 1959 where he became a professor and the director of the Electronic Music Studio at California State University, Northridge.

De la Vega's compositions have been influential within the field of music, advancing the sounds and styles of Latin America. His list of compositions -- many published and commercially recorded -- includes symphonic pieces, chamber music, piano, solo instruments with tape, song cycles, cantatas, ballet music, guitar and electronic music. Major orchestras, ensembles, prominent soloists and singers throughout the world have performed his works.

"(A person's) culture is important," de la Vega said. "I have received many awards, but for some reason when it comes from your own country it's touching. It's like your own people are recognizing you.

"I feel that when I create music for people, I contribute in two ways: I contribute to the motherland -- my culture -- and I have contributed to America," he said.

De la Vega taught at Cal State Northridge for 34 years before retiring in 1993.

Cuban Cultural Heritage is an organization committed to educating preserving and promoting the cultural values and accomplishments of the Cuban nation.