Rafael Zaldivar
Cuban pianist, composer, artistic director, and educator: Dr. Rafael Zaldivar's exceptional contributions to jazz have been acclaimed by the JazzTime and Downbeat jazz magazines. Born in Camagüey, Cuba, Zaldivar obtained a B.A. from Montreal University and a M.A. plus a D.Mus. from McGill University. The pianist has worked with jazz icons such as Barry Harris, Kenny Barron, and Herbie Hancock and he has performed with jazz luminaries as Steve Coleman, Greg Osby, Roy Hargrove, Terri Lyne Carrington, Francisco Mela, Nate Smith, Ari Hoenig, and Dan Weiss. The bandleader has participated in many international jazz festivals, including the Jazz Festival, Rochester (New York); the Jazz Festival of Queretaro (Mexico); and the Festival Jazz North Sea (Holland). The composer has received distinguished Canadian Awards as Opus, Grand Prix Musical Archambault, and CBC prizes. His sophomore album, Drawing, was nominated for ADISQ and JUNO Awards as "Best Contemporary Jazz Album of the Year" featuring saxophonist Greg Osby as special guest.