Pianist and composer Omar Sosa, violinist and vocalist Yilian Cañizares, and percussionist Gustavo Orvalles perform the composition “De La Habana y Otras Nostalgias” during their performance on March 6, 2026, part of the SFJAZZ 2025-26 Season and broadcast on Fridays Live.

About this concert:

For this performance, pianist Omar Sosa revisits the musical alchemy he achieved in collaboration with Cuban violinist and singer Yilian Cañizares on their joint 2018 Otá Records album, “Aguas,” an enchanting release inspired by jazz, Afro-Cuban rhythms and modern classical music that is dedicated to water, the life-giving source of existence, and Oshun, the Goddess of Love and Mistress of Rivers in the Lucumí tradition of Yoruba. Joined on this night by a percussionist to form the Aguas Trio, Sosa and Cañizares create a whole far greater than the sum of their estimable parts.

About Omar Sosa:

A world traveler who carries the verdant sounds and traditions of his native Cuba wherever he goes, seven-time GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY nominee Omar Sosa has forged powerful creative alliances around the globe. Born in Camagüey, Cuba and now a resident of Mallorca, Spain, the renowned jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader is celebrated for blending Afro-Cuban, Latin jazz, and global influences.
Sosa’s adventurous style has invigorated the Latin jazz scene worldwide, and he has released a succession of touchstone albums in settings ranging from solo piano to big band, and in collaboration with master musicians including Paolo Fresu, Adam Rudolph, Seckou Keita, former SFJAZZ Resident Artistic Director John Santos, and the NDR Big Band. His week as an SFJAZZ Resident Artistic Director gives an enlightening glimpse into his diverse range of musical pursuits. 

PERSONNEL:

Omar Sosa: piano
Yilian Cañizares: violin, vocals
Gustavo Orvalles: percussion