Arturo O'Farrill Octet at DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, University of Notre Dame

For two decades Arturo O'Farrill has defined then redefined the genre by performing progressively innovative new works on the world’s most significant stages. Grammy-winning pianist, composer and educator—leader of the "first family of Afro-Cuban Jazz" (New York Times)—was born in Mexico and grew up in New York City. Son of the late, great composer Chico O'Farrill, Arturo was educated at Manhattan School of Music, Brooklyn College Conservatory and the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College. He played piano in Carla Bley's Big Band from 1979 through 1983 and earned a reputation as a soloist in groups led by Dizzy Gillespie, Steve Turre, Freddy Cole, Lester Bowie, Wynton Marsalis and Harry Belafonte.