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Composer  

 

Hilario Durán is a Cuban-Canadian pianist, composer, arranger, and bandleader who has made significant contributions to the world of Latin jazz and classical music. Born on February 23, 1953, in Havana, Cuba, Durán grew up in a musical family and began playing the piano at the age of six. His father, a professional musician, was his first teacher and mentor, and he encouraged Durán to pursue a career in music. Durán's early years were marked by a deep love for classical music, and he studied at the Amadeo Roldán Conservatory in Havana, where he received a solid foundation in music theory, harmony, and composition. He also studied with renowned Cuban pianist and composer Frank Emilio Flynn, who introduced him to the world of jazz and improvisation. In the 1970s, Durán became a member of the Cuban jazz group Grupo de Experimentación Sonora del ICAIC, which was led by the legendary Cuban composer and conductor Leo Brouwer. The group was known for its innovative approach to music, blending elements of jazz, classical, and traditional Cuban music. Durán's experience with the group helped him develop his unique style, which combines the rhythmic and melodic elements of Cuban music with the harmonic sophistication of jazz. In 1981, Durán left Cuba and moved to Toronto, Canada, where he quickly established himself as a leading figure in the city's vibrant jazz scene. He formed his own band, the Hilario Durán Trio, which featured bassist Roberto Occhipinti and drummer Mark Kelso. The trio's debut album, "Perspectiva Encuentro," was released in 1986 and received critical acclaim for its innovative blend of Cuban and jazz music. Durán's reputation as a composer and arranger continued to grow, and he began working with some of the biggest names in jazz and Latin music, including Dizzy Gillespie, Arturo Sandoval, Paquito D'Rivera, and Chucho Valdés. He also collaborated with Canadian musicians such as Jane Bunnett, David Virelles, and Luis Mario Ochoa. Durán's discography includes over a dozen albums as a bandleader, as well as numerous collaborations and guest appearances. His compositions and arrangements have been performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world, including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Cuban National Symphony Orchestra, and the Frankfurt Radio Big Band. One of Durán's most significant works is his "Suite for Piano and String Orchestra," which was commissioned by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and premiered in 2006. The suite is a tribute to the music of Cuba, featuring elements of danzón, bolero, and son, as well as jazz and classical influences. The piece showcases Durán's virtuosic piano playing and his skill as a composer and arranger. Durán's music has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including several Juno Awards (Canada's equivalent of the Grammy Awards) and a Latin Grammy nomination. He has also been inducted into the Order of Canada, one of the country's highest honors, for his contributions to Canadian music. In addition to his work as a musician, Durán is also a dedicated educator and mentor. He has taught at several universities and music schools, including the University of Toronto and Humber College, and has conducted workshops and masterclasses around the world. He is passionate about passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation of musicians.

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