Paquito D’Rivera, the versatile Cuban musician, is renowned for his expertise in Latin Jazz and classical music. He stands out for his curiosity, imagination, and technical virtuosity, as well as an unmistakable sense of humor and a rebellious personality.

Awards, such as his five GRAMMYs and nine Latin awards, only tell part of his story. He has explored various genres, from tango jazz to Brazilian music, Afro-Cuban jazz, and classical music.

Born in Havana, D’Rivera began studying the saxophone with his father. At an early age, he was already performing with the National Theater Orchestra, and by the age of 17, he was a soloist with the National Symphony Orchestra of Cuba. He founded the groundbreaking Cuban Orchestra of Modern Music and the influential band Irakere, fusing Afro-Cuban music, jazz, rock, and classical music.

He has collaborated with various orchestras, such as the London Symphony Orchestra and the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra. With over 40 albums to his name, including recordings with musicians like Yo-Yo Ma and the Turtle Island String Quartet, his music spans a wide repertoire.

His album Fantasias Barcelonicas has received accolades, including the Grand World Classical Music Prize in Europe. In 2023, his Reunion Sextet, alongside Chucho Valdés, was nominated for the Latin Grammys for I Missed you Too. Additionally, his composition Suite Venezolano for trumpet and symphony orchestra, dedicated to Venezuela and in collaboration with the acclaimed trumpeter Pacho Flores, has also been nominated for Best Classical Composition at this year’s Latin Grammys.