'MUSIC SAVED MY LIFE'
~ Arturo Sandoval
A protégé of the legendary jazz master Dizzy Gillespie, Arturo Sandoval was born in 1949 in Artemisa, Cuba, a small town on the outskirts of Havana. Studying classical trumpet since the age of twelve, it didn’t take long for him to join the excitement of the jazz world forever changing his life’s path. Arturo has since evolved into one of the world’s guardians of jazz trumpet and flugelhorn, as well as a celebrated classical artist, pianist and composer. To those who’ve had the good fortune to be in his presence, Arturo is known for the immense capacity of his heart and willingness to share his blessings.
Arturo is a multi-Grammy and multi-Billboard Music award winner who also achieved an Emmy Award for composing the underscore of “For Love or Country,” an HBO film based on his early life in Cuba and defection to America which celebrates the music that carried him across the shores and made his dreams come true. Arturo has recorded over 40 albums and appeared on hundreds. 2018 will see the release of two more: “Arturo Sandoval: Ultimate Duets” featuring extraordinary collaborations with Placido Domingo, Pharrell, Celia Cruz, Stevie Wonder, Josh Groban and Al Jarreau among other luminaries; and “Arturo Sandoval’s Christmas at Notre Dame” featuring the University of Notre Dame’s Sacral Band, Jazz Band, graduate vocalists and Children’s Choir. He recently completed a memoir chronicling his relationship with Dizzy Gillespie.
Arturo Sandoval received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013. He is a retired, tenured professor from Florida International University who holds an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Notre Dame.
Impressive as it is expansive, Arturo’s career is defined by a virtuoso capability and a desire to share his gift with those who feel the same intense adoration as he does. Arturo believes the world is a classroom with opportunities every day to learn, teach and grow understanding, especially through music. When touring, Arturo regularly visits with music students at local schools and universities to offer scholarships, clinics and seminars. The culmination of Arturo’s affinity for education and philanthropy came when he created his greatest masterpiece, the Arturo Sandoval Institute, ASÍ (Spanish for Just like that!), as it is affectionately known by supporters, to bridge music education gaps.