via The Kennedy Center
Airing Dec. 22, 2024 at 7:30 EST
Arturo Sandoval is one of the most brilliant, multifaceted, and renowned musicians of our time. Although he is an acknowledged virtuoso of jazz trumpet and flugelhorn, he is just as dynamic and vivacious on the piano, timbales, vocals, and keyboard. He delights in presenting a diverse and exhilarating show featuring Afro Cuban Jazz, Be Bop, straight ahead Jazz, and so much more.
Sandoval is of the greatest trumpet players in the world due to his exceptional technical skills, virtuosic performances, and profound musicality. He possesses a remarkable range, agility, and control over the instrument, allowing him to execute intricate passages efficiently and expressly. Sandoval’s ability to blend various styles, including jazz, classical, and Latin music, further adds to his versatility and appeal. Moreover, Sandoval’s contributions to the music world extend beyond his prowess as a performer. He is also a prolific composer, arranger, and educator, inspiring countless musicians with his innovative approach and dedication to his craft.
Additionally, his remarkable life story, overcoming political oppression in Cuba and finding success on the international stage, adds depth to his legacy and serves as an inspiration to many. While opinions on who the “best” trumpet player in the world may vary depending on personal preferences and criteria, Arturo Sandoval undoubtedly ranks among the most respected and admired musicians in his field.
He is by far, one of the world’s foremost entertainers, having been seen by millions performing live at the Oscars®, the Grammys®, at the White House, and the industry’s most esteemed Performing Arts Centers and Festivals around the world. Sandoval is a celebrated classical artist as well as composer who has been awarded 10 Grammy Awards®, six Billboard Awards, an Emmy®, the Hispanic Heritage Award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Obama, a Doctorate in Fine Arts from the prestigious Notre-Dame University, and was recently honored with a Grammy® Lifetime Achievement Award.
Recent Kennedy Center history:
Arturo Sandoval performed the national anthem at the 2013 Kennedy Center Honors; in June 1998, he performed alongside Paquito D’Rivera as part of the National Symphony Orchestra’s Caribbean Festival; he performed a session as part of Billy Taylor’s Jazz at the Kennedy Center in 1994, which was recorded and later aired by NPR.