The Montreux Jazz Artists Foundation is partnering with the Festival Internacional Jazz Plaza to present From Montreux to Havana, an exceptional evening bringing together leading Cuban musicians who have been recognised through the Foundation’s competitions and programmes over the past twenty years.
On 27 January 2026, several emblematic figures of Cuban jazz will share the stage in Havana for the very first time. Revealed through the competitions organised by the Montreux Jazz Artists Foundation during the Montreux Jazz Festival, these artists have since become some of the most acclaimed Cuban jazz musicians worldwide. Celebrating the creativity, richness and diversity of this vibrant scene, From Montreux to Havana is set to be one of the highlights of the 41st edition of the Festival Internacional Jazz Plaza.
Five laureates of the Montreux Jazz Artists Foundation’s competitions will take part:
• Harold López-Nussa (piano), First Prize and Audience Award in 2005
• Rolando Luna (piano), Honorary First Prize and Audience Award in 2007
• Yilian Cañizares (violin, voice), Audience Award in 2008 with Ochumare
• Jorge Luis Pacheco (piano), Audience Award and Second Jury Prize in 2014
• Héctor Quintana (guitar), Second Prize in 2015
They will be joined by two guest musicians: Aniel Someillan (bass), who has been supported by the MJAF, and Rodney Baretto (drums).
All participating artists will also lead masterclasses to inspire the next generation of Cuban musicians, sharing their knowledge, experience and artistic vision.
Supported by the Montreux Jazz Artists Foundation, this event celebrates cultural exchange and music education, highlighting the relationship between Cuba and the Foundation, as well as the far-reaching impact of its programmes on the development of young artists around the world.