After making his mark in Cuba, Duran has continued to essay his skills as pianist, producer, composer, arranger and bandleader of remarkable virtuosity. He is one of Cuba's premier exponents of Latin Jazz. He immigrated to Canada in 1998 and was named “One of the 10 Most Influential Hispanic Canadians” in 2009.
Learn more about 2023 finalist Hilario Duran Torres by reading below.
In your own words, can you describe your practice and why you're drawn to the art you do?
I began to play the piano by ear when I was 8; years later, while studying music, I started to listen carefully, learning, imitating and reproducing as much music as possible from great composers and performers. At that moment, I recognized that music was my passion and wanted to live from it and with it. I started work as a professional musician in the Papa Cun Cun Ensemble, where I learned how to play all the different styles of Afro-Cuban music. Years later, I replaced Chucho Valdes in the Orquesta Cubana de Musica Moderna, where I learned how to orchestrate. Also, I started working at the studio EGREM in downtown Havana arranging, conducting and producing music projects with almost all the singers in Havana. But, it wasn't until years later, when I started playing with the trumpet player Arturo Sandoval that I realized I had to do my regime of study routine because Arturo was very demanding on his work. I made my practice routine with exercises from the Hanon book and exercises I created by myself I also practice some Czerny etudes and some Chopin to keep my chops in place and ready to play. I love the art I do because I consider that music gives meaning to life; it is my source of inspiration. I think music is Universal and is a complete experience; it transmits stories and emotions and connects people. Music is everywhere. Through my music, I always send the audience positive messages, feelings and emotions such as joy, beauty, fun, and relaxation.
Tell us what it means to be recognized as a Toronto Arts Foundation Award finalist.
First, I want to thank Canada for allowing me to grow in my musical career, and also to all Councils who have been supporting me in all my Projects. I come from a very rich musical country, and Canada and all Councils have been allowing me to show everywhere what my music is about and what I am doing. But, to be recognized as a Toronto Arts Foundation Award finalist, it is something very rewarding because I have been recognized for the work I do with passion. I love Canada since the beginning, and I have been presenting the quality of my work to express my roots and emotions while giving an excellent impression to the audience in each performance. My major commitment is to present an exceptional, unique performance to all Canadian communities, bring and educate the audience with these original Afro-Cuban sounds. I have no words to express my gratitude for this recognition; it has a special connotation. I want to thank Toronto Arts Foundation, but I don’t know where to begin. So, I just want to say that there are so many things that I would not have been able to do it without you! Toronto, Canada, I am so grateful to have you in my life!