Cuban Piano Masters

Hilario Durán,  Danaë Olano  & Jorge Betancourt Trio

The Legacy and Innovation of Cuban Pianists: A Tradition of Excellence

The Redwood Theatre presents an extraordinary night of Cuban masters behind the piano with trio.

Cuban pianists have earned a long-standing reputation for their extraordinary talent and innovation, solidifying their status as some of the finest musicians in the world. This legacy dates back to the late 18th century when the piano first graced Cuban shores, swiftly becoming integral to the island's rich musical tapestry, particularly in popular dances such as the guaracha and contradanzas.

At the forefront of this tradition stand luminaries like Ernesto Lecuona, whose virtuosity and compositional brilliance earned him comparisons to the great George Gershwin. Lecuona's influence resonates through generations, his legacy paving the way for future maestros to explore the depths of musical expression.

Among these trailblazers is Pedro Nolasco Jústiz Rodriguez, affectionately known as Peruchin, whose fusion of jazz with Cuban rhythms left an indelible mark on the genre. His innovative approach captivated audiences and inspired a new wave of pianists, including the legendary Bebo Valdes, progenitor of a musical dynasty that includes the incomparable Chucho Valdes.

The 1960s saw a pivotal moment in Cuban music history with Fidel Castro's alliance with the Soviet Union, bringing a wave of Russian and Soviet-bloc music teachers to the island. Their rigorous pedagogy laid the foundation for a new era of Cuban pianism, blending classical precision with jazz improvisation in a seamless fusion of styles.

Today, the legacy of Cuban pianists continues to flourish, with modern-day virtuosos like Chucho Valdes, Omar Sosa, enchanting audiences worldwide with their distinctive styles and innovative compositions. Bolstered by a rigorous training regimen and an unwavering commitment to musical excellence, these pianists push the boundaries of tradition while honouring the rich heritage of Cuban music.

Yet, the story doesn't end here. A new generation of pianistic talent is emerging, including Jorge Luis Pacheco, Alfredo Rodriguez, Harold Lopez-Nussa, and for one evening only, the Toronto connection: Hilario Durán, Danaë Olano and Jorge Betancourt each adding their unique voice to the vibrant tapestry of Cuban music. With each passing note, they pay homage to their predecessors while carving out a path of their own, ensuring that the legacy of Cuban pianism endures for generations to come.