Photo : Chucho Valdes
Chucho Valdés Royal Quartet & Guests
A true titan of Afro-Cuban jazz, Chucho Valdés brings a masterclass in piano brilliance to the heart of the city. Accompanied by his Royal Quartet, he proves that his creative fire is as potent as ever, weaving generations of sound into an unmissable live experience.
Théâtre du Châtelet (Paris 1st)
About
The Théâtre du Châtelet presents a special evening with Afro-Cuban jazz legend Chucho Valdés on Wednesday, April 28, 2027. Joined by his Royal Quartet and various guests, the virtuoso pianist and founder of the Irakere group offers a performance spanning over fifty years of musical innovation. This concert is an essential experience for jazz enthusiasts looking to witness a master at work. Taking place from 20:00 to 21:30, the event is fully accessible to blind or visually impaired attendees, ensuring everyone can enjoy this vibrant celebration of rhythm and music in the heart of Paris.
It is impossible to mention Chucho Valdés without associating him with Afro-Cuban jazz – and vice versa. Son of Bebo Valdés (pianist and bandleader, pioneer of mambo), Chucho, also a pianist, founded the legendary Irakere in 1973 and persevered for many years playing jazz on an island, Cuba, where the slightest breeze from North America was generally considered to carry the imperialist bacillus.
For this perseverance, for the titanic work he has accomplished, and for his influence, which extends far beyond the sphere of Cuban jazz musicians alone, Chucho has already gone down in history.
It is impossible to mention Chucho Valdés without associating him with Afro-Cuban jazz – and vice versa. Son of Bebo Valdés (pianist and bandleader, pioneer of mambo), Chucho, also a pianist, founded the legendary Irakere in 1973 and persevered for many years playing jazz on an island, Cuba, where the slightest breeze from North America was generally considered to carry the imperialist bacillus.
For this perseverance, for the titanic work he has accomplished, and for his influence, which extends far beyond the sphere of Cuban jazz musicians alone, Chucho has already gone down in history.
It is impossible to mention Chucho Valdés without associating him with Afro-Cuban jazz – and vice versa. Son of Bebo Valdés (pianist and bandleader, pioneer of mambo), Chucho, also a pianist, founded the legendary Irakere in 1973 and persevered for many years playing jazz on an island, Cuba, where the slightest breeze from North America was generally considered to carry the imperialist bacillus.
For this perseverance, for the titanic work he has accomplished, and for his influence, which extends far beyond the sphere of Cuban jazz musicians alone, Chucho has already gone down in history.
- Louis-Julien Nicolaou
A pianist with exceptional technique, endowed with unparalleled velocity and virtuosity, he recorded seven albums for the Blue Note Records label between 1991 and 2003. A multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy winner, he is above all the founder of the group Irakere, which popularized Afro-Cuban jazz worldwide.
More than half a century after his debut, he now performs with the musicians of the Royal Quartet and welcomes numerous guests, from all generations, to continue experimenting and sharing his love for music, without stylistic or aesthetic boundaries. And because, in Cuba, all concerts end in a conga, which refers to both the long-barreled wooden drums covered in skin and a dance of African origin in four-four time, this concert will end in a big celebration, full of joy!
Our take on this event
On Wednesday, April 28, 2027, the Théâtre du Châtelet hosts an exceptional performance by Chucho Valdés. A titan of Afro-Cuban jazz, the pianist and composer is renowned for his technical brilliance and his work with the historic group Irakere. With a career marked by multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy awards, as well as several albums recorded for Blue Note Records, Valdés remains a pivotal figure in the evolution of modern jazz. He continues to push boundaries by collaborating with artists from various generations.
The concert, scheduled from 20:00 to 21:30, features the Royal Quartet alongside special guests, culminating in a joyful, traditional conga-style finale. The event takes place in the 1st arrondissement of Paris. Tickets are available ranging from 10 to 85 euros.
Accessibility is a priority for this venue, which is well-equipped to welcome blind and visually impaired guests. Attendees can expect a high-energy performance that honors the deep, rhythmic roots of Cuban music while embracing an open, creative approach to jazz improvisation.
