“El maestro Chucho Valdés is one of the great treasures of the music world… Valdés grounds his work in the aural history of mother Cuba, while seamlessly weaving in aspects of folk, jazz and classical to create a singular musical vision.”
Photo of Chucho Valdés courtesy of Martin Espino Garcia
NEA Jazz Master and winner of seven Grammy and six Latin Grammy Awards, the Cuban pianist, composer and arranger Chucho Valdés is the most influential figure in modern Afro-Cuban jazz. In a rich career spanning sixty years, Chucho has pushed boundaries in pursuit of new expressions in Afro-Cuban music. Chucho celebrates his 85th birthday in 2026 with an exciting new program featuring special guests Joe Lovano and Etienne Charles.
Maestro del Jazz de la NEA y ganador de siete premios Grammy y seis Latin Grammy, el pianista, compositor y arreglista cubano Chucho Valdés es la figura más influyente del jazz afrocubano moderno. A lo largo de una extraordinaria carrera de seis décadas, Chucho ha ampliado constantemente los límites del género en busca de nuevas expresiones de la música afrocubana. En 2026, Chucho celebra sus 85 años con un emocionante programa que contará con la participación de invitados especiales: Joe Lovano y Etienne Charles.
Photo of Joe Lovano courtesy of Aquapio Films Ltd.
Photo of Etienne Charles courtesy of Lauren Desberg