Global Cuba Fest 2024 closes with Piano Marathon Cubano – a double bill concert featuring the fierce virtuosity and creativity Ernán López-Nussa and Rolando Luna‘s Quartet.
The marathon starts with renowned Cuban pianist Ernán López-Nussa, who has built an international reputation thanks to his capacity to integrate rhythm, lyricism, and fusion in a singular and authentic manner. A talented composer, arranger and performer, Ernán is a master at creating music characterized by impressive formal richness and amazing versatility.
The evening continues with Cuban virtuoso pianist Rolando Luna’s irresistible charisma, energy, and incredible improvisations. Miami audiences are in for a special night with one of Cuba’s most prolific artists shaping the musical landscape.
“Rolando is an example of creativity and imagination, with great elegance and freshness in his playing.” – Chucho Valdes
Biography
Ernan Lopez Nussa is a renowned Cuban pianist who has built an international reputation on his ability to combine rhythm, lyricism and fusion in an authentic manner. He is a gifted composer, arranger, and interpreter, creating music with impressive formal richness and great versatility. Ernan studied classical piano at the prestigious Cuban Institute of Arts, and developed his musical style in the 1980’s when working with Afrocuba, the Cuban school of music. There he came into contact with the talented generation of Cuban musicians that includes Oriente Lopez, Omar and Oscarito Valdes. With this group, Ernan situated himself at the head of the Cuban music vanguard, a phase that peaked when he worked with the famous Cuban singer Sylvio Rodriguez on two releases, “Causas y Azares” and “Oh Melancolia”. He then founded “Cuarto Espacio”, a group that brought together the talents of ex-members of the band “Afrocuba” to create a new jazz sound.
Rolando Luna learned to play guitar at primary school before opting to study piano at the Gerardo Guanche Conservatory. There, he took part in various competitions, winning a prize for his interpretation of Cuban music. He studied classical piano at the Amadeo Roldan Conservatory and, in 1999, won first prize at the international jazz competition Jo-jazz-99. After performing in a group in Cuba and making his first appearances on television, he spent eight months as a member of the Latin Street Group in Canada, before joining Paulo FG and his Elite with whom he travelled throughout Europe and Latin America.
