Hilario Duran, a Cuban-born musician, grew up in Havana with a musical family that was surrounded by many musical influences every day. In Cuba’s Los Papa Cun-Cun Ensemble, he began his career as a professional musician. He also performed in many musical styles. In the 1970’s Duran became Chucho Valdes’ successor in Cuba’s largest modern big band Orquesta Cubana de Musica Moderna. As part of Arturo Sandoval’s band, Hilario Duran was pianist/keyboardist and arranger, and was also the musical director for nine years. Chucho Valdes has referred to Hilario Duran, a Grammy-nominated, multi-JUNO-award winning pianist and composer, as one of the best Cuban pianists of 20th century. Duran, who made his mark in Cuba, continued to refine his abilities as a pianist and composer, arranger, and musical director with remarkable virtuosity. Hilario, who arrived in Canada in 1994, has established himself as a multicanadian Juno Award nominee and winner; an American Grammy nominee; and a multicanadian National Jazz Award recipient.
