BIOGRAPHY

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One of the premier exponents of Latin Jazz, and winner of the Louis Applebaum Composer’s Award; the Cuban born, Maestro Hilario Duran, grew up in Havana into a musical family surrounded by a variety of diverse musical influences on a daily basis. He began working as a professional musician in Cuba’s Los Papa Cun-Cun Ensemble and a variety of musical format and later on, in the 70’s; Duran was Chucho Valdés’ chosen successor in Cuba’s most modern big band, ‘Orquesta Cubana de Música Moderna’. In the nineties, as part of the Arturo Sandoval band, Hilario toured worldwide and had the opportunity of perform with the likes of Dizzy Gillespie and Michel Legrand, among many others.

 

Hilario’s formal music training, combined with a deep understanding of traditional Cuban music, as well as a love for jazz, allowed him to play a key role in the integration of Afro-Cuban music and jazz; he represents an important aspect in contemporary Cuban music as well as in Cuban music history; he is a virtuoso player, arranger, composer, and bandleader in his own right.

 

After making his mark in Cuba Duran continued to essay his skills as pianist, composer, arranger and musical director of remarkable virtuosity. Since arriving in Canada, Hilario has established himself in his own name; he is a multi-Canadian Juno Award winner and nominee; an American Grammy nominee; a multi-Canadian National Jazz Award winner & nominee; and recipient of the 2007 Chico O’Farrill Lifetime Achievement Award, from Latin Jazz USA, for his outstanding contributions to Afro Cuban Jazz and Latin Jazz. Cuban-Canadian jazz pianist Hilario Duran is a fixture on the Toronto music scene. Hilario Duran immigrated to Canada in 1998 and named ‘One of the 10 Most Influential Hispanic Canadians’ in 2009. In addition, Hilario has been named Best Artist of the Year 2013 by the Toronto Musicians’ Association and also as 2014 Best Vision Award Winner (Premio a la Trayectoria) for his work as entrepreneur leading his company ES MI MUSICA PRODUCTIONS.

 

Hilario is an adjunct piano professor and ensemble director in the jazz faculty at Toronto, Canada’s Humber College. 

 

Hilario’s recent work as a composer includes the composition and arrangements of the film scores for the movie “The Cuban”, film directed by filmmaker Sergio Navarreta; this film is about the power of music over Alzheimer’s. Duran also was commissioned to compose “Ontario’s Memories”; 5-minute movement performed by the Winnipeg Jazz orchestra as part of the World Premiere Suite made by Canadian composers to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday. This composition also was performed in Toronto by the Toronto Jazz Orchestra.

 

HILARIO DURAN CONTUMBAO 

 

Hilario Duran makes a triumphant musical homecoming on his new album ‘Contumbao’. The repertoire spans the entire spectrum of Cuban music featuring his authenticity and respect for the tradition.  Hilario’s Contumbao takes us a journey through Afro-Cuban music from its roots.

 

‘Contumbao’ is a project that literally has brought Duran back to his Cuban roots. Recorded at Havana’s legendary EGREM studios; Contumbao is a heartfelt homage to Cuba’s rich, musical history. Indeed, Durán dedicates his album to Cuban music and its many musical styles “whose music and rhythms run through his veins.” 

 

Duran teams up with bassist extraordinaire Roberto Riverón, with more than 25 years of music making; drummer Amhed Mitchel, who was very fortunate of being selected from the group of musicians to perform with the Super Unit Jazz orchestra in Tokyo with music icons as Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Dave Holland, among others important musicians. Percussion: Jorge Luis Torres “Papiosco”, named “The Child Prodigy” by the late Tatagüines, one of the most important Cuban percussionists. Papiosco, who now makes Toronto his home, comes from a long line of virtuosic Rumberos who helped define the shape and direction of Cuban music. 

 

THE MUSIC: AFRO-CUBAN JAZZ - Duran returns to the recording arena with Contumbao is both welcome and richly satisfying.

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Eleven Suns Booking Agency Represents: Hilario Duran in the USA.

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