Arturo Sandoval is a legendary musician of unparalleled greatness, having been mentored by the incomparable Jazz trumpeter and founder of Latin Jazz, Dizzy Gillespie. As a master of the trumpet and flugelhorn, Sandoval began his classical trumpet studies at the tender age of 12 and has been recording music for over three decades.
Throughout his illustrious career, Sandoval has garnered an impressive four Grammy Awards and has been nominated for a staggering 12 Grammys across various categories, including the 1978 Grammy for Best Latin album with the group "Irakere", which he co-founded with Afro-Cuban piano virtuoso Chucho Valdés. The name "Irakere" is derived from the Yoruba word for "forest", reflecting the group's rich cultural heritage.
In 1995, Sandoval was commissioned by the esteemed Kennedy Center to compose the music for the Debbie Allen ballet "Pepito's Story", a testament to his versatility and artistic range. Two years later, he composed songs for the musical "Soul Possessed", marking his second collaboration with Debbie Allen, who wrote and choreographed the production.
As a performer, Sandoval has had the privilege of sharing the stage with some of the world's most renowned orchestras, including the BBC Symphony in London, the Leningrad Symphony in Russia, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Dizzy Gillespie's United Nations Orchestra.
Sandoval's extensive discography boasts over eight albums as a Jazz soloist and one as a classical soloist, in addition to his numerous collaborations with other prominent artists, such as Frank Sinatra, Gloria Estefan, Jon Secada, and many more.
In recognition of his immense talent and dedication to his craft, Sandoval was granted US Citizenship in 1999, a fitting tribute to his remarkable journey from Cuba to the United States.
Today, Sandoval serves as a full professor of music at Florida International University, where he established "The Dizzy Gillespie Trumpet Scholarship" in honor of his beloved mentor and longtime friend. His legacy continues to inspire and enrich the world of music, and his name will forever be synonymous with excellence and artistry.
