A true citizen of sound, Paquito D’Rivera’s magnetic stage presence and dazzling command of both the clarinet and saxophone takes you on a global musical journey full of rhythmic complexity and lyrical beauty. His concerts blend Latin jazz, classical music, and Afro-Cuban rhythms with dazzling technical skill and spontaneous improvisation, reflecting his boundless musical curiosity and deep cultural roots. From fiery bebop and Cuban danzóns to tango-infused chamber works and soulful ballads, D’Rivera’s wide-ranging programs are vibrant, virtuosic celebrations of music. And between the pieces, D’Rivera weaves stories with humor, charm, and insight, drawing listeners into the rich traditions behind the tunes. Whether he's playing a brisk mambo, a lush Brazilian choro, or a spirited jazz standard, D’Rivera consistently showcases musical excellence.
About the Artist
An NEA Jazz Master and recipient of the National Medal of Arts, Paquito D’Rivera is a clarinetist, saxophonist, composer, and author with sixteen Grammys and Latin Grammys to his name. Born in Havana, Cuba, in 1948, he began studying music with his father, Tito Rivera, at age 5 and was performing publicly by age 7. His early career included founding the Cuban Modern Music Orchestra and co-founding the revolutionary band Irakere, which fused jazz, rock, classical, and Afro-Cuban music. D’Rivera has released more than 40 solo albums and collaborated with a dazzling range of artists and ensembles, including Dizzy Gillespie’s United Nation Orchestra, Yo-Yo Ma, and the London Philharmonic. His ensembles—the Chamber Jazz Ensemble, Big Band, and Quintet—have toured the globe, earning acclaim for their vitality and eclecticism. Equally at home in classical music, D’Rivera has performed and recorded with orchestras around the world, championing Latin American repertoire and premiering his own compositions. His catalog includes commissions from the Library of Congress, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, and ensembles like Imani Winds.
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