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The legendary Cuban pianist and composer Chucho Valdés was honored this Monday in the United States with the 2025 Leonard Bernstein Lifetime Achievement Award, an accolade that recognizes his exceptional contribution to music and his decisive influence on the development of modern Afro-Cuban jazz.
The presentation of the award took place during the annual gala “Music Para Todos” organized by the Longy School of Music in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The event was held at the iconic Pickman Hall and was honored with the presence of Nancy Peery Marriott.
The award was presented by Jamie Bernstein, daughter of the renowned director and composer after whom the recognition is named.
“Chucho Valdés embodies the core values we cultivate at Longy: the freedom to explore, creativity, innovation, and the joy of sharing music,” highlighted the organization.
"I am happy because tonight I just received the Leonard Bernstein Prize for the elevation of music in society. It has been a wonderful evening at @longymusic alongside his daughter Jamie Bernstein and the President of Longy, Karen Zorn. Long live music!" wrote the artist on his Facebook wall.
With more than 60 years of experience, Chucho Valdés is regarded as the most influential figure in contemporary Afro-Cuban jazz. Throughout his career, he has been able to blend Afro-Cuban musical tradition with jazz, classical music, rock, and other genres, creating a deeply personal style.
Born in 1941 into a family of musicians, he was initially trained by his father, the pianist and conductor Ramón “Bebo” Valdés. By the age of 14, he had already graduated from the Municipal Conservatory of Music in Havana, and in 1959, he made his professional debut with the orchestra Sabor de Cuba. Since then, his influence on Cuban music and the world has been monumental.
Valdés has been awarded multiple GRAMMY® and Latin GRAMMY® Awards, including a Grammy for Musical Excellence, and he has been a member of the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame.
During the gala, Chucho Valdés presented a special selection from his extensive repertoire, accompanied by clarinetist and saxophonist Juan Ruiz, a former student of Longy and a prominent figure in New York jazz. Ruiz has collaborated with major names in music such as Paquito D’Rivera, Yo-Yo Ma, and Valdés himself, establishing an international career that has taken him to stages across America, Europe, and Asia.
The "Music For All" gala aimed to raise funds for scholarships and innovative programs that support young musicians dedicated to transforming the world through their art.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Leonard Bernstein Award to Chucho Valdés
Why did Chucho Valdés receive the Leonard Bernstein Award 2025?
Chucho Valdés received the Leonard Bernstein Award 2025 in recognition of his exceptional contribution to music and his decisive influence on the development of modern Afro-Cuban jazz. His ability to blend Afro-Cuban musical tradition with other genres has been essential throughout his career of over 60 years.
Where was the Leonard Bernstein Award presented to Chucho Valdés?
The Leonard Bernstein Award was presented to Chucho Valdés during the annual "Music For All" gala organized by the Longy School of Music at the iconic Pickman Hall in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Who presented the Leonard Bernstein Award to Chucho Valdés?
The award was presented by Jamie Bernstein, daughter of the renowned director and composer Leonard Bernstein, who highlighted the values of freedom, creativity, and innovation embodied by Chucho Valdés.
What did Chucho Valdés do during the "Music Para Todos" gala?
Chucho Valdés offered a special selection of his extensive repertoire alongside clarinetist and saxophonist Juan Ruiz, showcasing his musical mastery and his ability to captivate the audience with his performance.
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