Cuban songwriter Silvio Rodriguez is so adored in the Spanish-speaking world that he could probably read the newspaper to huge applause. As he enters shyly after his band's opening instrumental, the crowd leapt to their feet, but when his high, clear voice rings out above the clever arrangement of Escaramujo, all is hushed.

Rodriguez was one of the originators of the Nueva Trova (New Song) movement in the 1960s. His songs and lyrics have travelled far within Latin America over the past 40 years, but this is only his second visit to the UK. Even so, each song triggers whoops of recognition.

Accompanied by his wife, flautist Niurka Gonzalez Nunez, two guitarists, an acoustic bass guitar, and a drummer/percussionist, each song is arranged with finesse. However straightforward the tune, there's always room for a flourish from one of his fine guitarists. But it is the songs that prevail: Rodriguez says he learned from the Beatles the knack of making each song different.

Numbers such as El Papalote and Pequena Serenata Diurna (with its unison lines for flute and guitar) feel like complete compositions, literate, mature, full of light and shade. There's no shortage of rhythmic invention, but Rodriguez's reedy voice always cuts through the busy accompaniment. When he sings a ballad such as Sinuhe, his voice is strong and affecting.

A high point is an exquisite song accompanied by John Williams, who pushes Rodriguez to greater emotional heights - what a shame that the classical guitarist did not play more. Rodriguez closes with the popular Ojala and the crowd demands five encores.

Earlier in the evening, Ska Cubana and members of Madness had joined forces for a jam, in which Suggs recited headlines from the Evening Standard. The concert raised money for the Music Fund for Cuba, which aims to restore Teatro Miramar in Havana as an arts centre for music, circus and dance.