Luis Mario Ochoa with Special Guest Hilario Duran 1:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Hilario Duran
Big Band of the Year
Latin Jazz Artist of the Year
Socan Composer of the Year
National Jazz Awards 20
Born in Havana, Cuba, Luis Mario's earliest musical influences came from
his father Luis Ochoa Sr. singer, guitarist and founding member of "Trio
Voces de Oro", one of Cuba's most romantic ensembles     

At the age of 11, Luis Mario began full time music studies at some of
Havana's most renowned conservatories. After 13 years of intense studies,
he graduated with an honors B.A. in classical guitar from
The University of Havana's Institute Superior of Arts (ISA). While most of
his extensive learning was in the classical genre, his heart never
abandoned his roots in "popular music".

In 1990 Luis Mario moved to Toronto, Canada, embracing the city as his
new home. In 1992, he formed his band Cimarrón, (See-mah-rón, meaning
"free spirit"), and three years later recorded their first CD A La Cubana.
Being one of the first recordings to emerge from Toronto's Latin music
scene, the album introduced Canadian audiences to the ensemble's
unique sound; tracks from this CD were featured on the TV series Traders

Luis was a nominee in 2007 for Canadian Latin Jazz Artist of the Year,
Ochoa is joined here by acclaimed Cuban pianist Hilario Durán and a
dynamic rhythm section of bass, drums and percussion.

Since his move to Canada, Hilario Durán has become an integral and
important part of the Canadian music scene. He is an invaluable member of
the Jazz Faculty at Humber College, acting as both and adjunct Piano
Professor and Ensemble Director. Hilario has appeared internationally with
a variety of performance groups, including an appearance at “The Modern
Drummer Festival” with Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez, John Patitucci, and
Michael Brecker. Also, a memorable performance at “The Barranquilla Jazz
Festival” in Colombia, in 2001, as well as engagements with an “All-Stars”
band that included heavy-weight musicians Dave Valentin, Juan Pablo
Torres, John Benitez, and “Patato” Valdés. Durán also performed in
October 2002 (as a pianist and composer) with saxophonist Paquito D’
Rivera, violinist Regina carter and the living legend Brazilian singer Leny
Andrade, joined by “The World Festival Orchestra” New Jersey Performing
Arts Center (N.P.C.A.C)

Hilario is currently working as a composer with the classical ensembles of
Gryphon Trio, and Quartetto Gelato.

In 2005, Hilario formed his explosive Big Band Orchestra with top Canadian
and Cuban musicians in Toronto, being one of the highlights of the
"Distillery Jazz Festival”, “Autoworkers Assembly Hall Big Band Festival”, in
Port Elgin, and “Sound of Toronto Jazz Series”, critically acclaimed by the
press
Luis Mario Ochoa
Hilario Duran
Main Stage - Bell Stage
Harmony Square