Havana-born clarinet player, saxophonist and composer, Paquito D’Rivera, defies categorization. He has recorded more than 30 solo albums and is celebrated for his artistry in Latin jazz, rock, traditional Cuban, and classical music. Among his honors are 14 Grammy Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award from Carnegie Hall for his contributions to Latin music.

In 1988, he was a founding member of the United Nations Orchestra, a 15-piece ensemble organized by Dizzy Gillespie to showcase the fusion of Latin and Caribbean influences with jazz.