The 40th edition of the Jazz Plaza Festival, one of Cuba’s most highly anticipated cultural events, took place, attracting artists and music enthusiasts from around the world. Artistically directed by pianist Roberto Fonseca, the festival celebrates both the tradition and innovation of international jazz, serving as a key platform for the promotion of musical culture and intercultural dialogue.
This year’s event brought together over 356 artists from 20 countries, with a strong presence from the United States, Italy, and Colombia. More than 800 local musicians, including symphony orchestras, chamber ensembles, rap groups, and dance bands, performed in over 300 concerts held not only in Havana but also in Santa Clara and Santiago de Cuba.
The Italian Embassy in Havana supported the initiative, facilitating the participation of violinist Luca Ciarla, who, in addition to performing a solo set, also shared the stage with Peppe Voltarelli (vocals and guitar) in a teatro-canzone performance. Other talented Italian musicians enriched the festival with their music and passion, adding to the extraordinary variety of performances and artistic encounters. Among them, singer and pianist Walter Ricci stood out, blending jazz tradition with Neapolitan influences to deliver a truly unique and captivating performance.
