Giants of Jazz

SOPAC is pleased to announce that the 2025 annual Giants of Jazz concert will honor the incomparable Paquito D’Rivera. One of the greatest living musicians, Paquito’s long and distinguished career spans both the worlds of jazz and classical music.

On November 16, 2006, SOPAC presented its inaugural performance, entitled “The Music of Two Worlds.” Produced by John Lee, this first concert featured Paquito D’Rivera, Yo-Yo Ma, Brenda Feliciano and the Imani Winds. In honor of SOPAC’s 20th Anniversary Season, join us as we celebrate the career of the man who so generously graced our stage from the beginning.

Artist Line-Up

More artists to be announced.

Produced by Grammy Award-winning producer and bass player, South Orange resident John Lee, Giants of Jazz delights audiences of every generation.

Paquito D’Rivera

Paquito D’Rivera defies categorization. The winner of 16 combined Grammy and Latin Grammy awards, he is celebrated both for his artistry in Latin jazz and his achievements as a classical composer and soloist. Born in Havana, Cuba, he performed at age 10 with the National Theater Orchestra, studied at the Havana Conservatory of Music, and at 17, became a featured soloist with the Cuban National Symphony. As a founding member of the Orquesta Cubana de Musica Moderna, he directed that group for two years, while at the same time playing both the clarinet and saxophone with the Cuban National Symphony Orchestra. He eventually went on to premiere several works by notable Cuban composers with the same orchestra. Additionally, he was a founding member and co-director of the innovative musical ensemble Irakere. With its explosive mixture of jazz, rock, classical and traditional Cuban music never before heard, Irakere toured extensively throughout America and Europe. They received a GRAMMY in 1979.

His numerous recordings include more than 30 solo albums. In 1988, he was a founding member of the United Nation Orchestra, a 15-piece ensemble organized by Dizzy Gillespie to showcase the fusion of Latin and Caribbean influences with jazz. A GRAMMY was awarded to the United Nation Orchestra in 1991, the same year D’Rivera received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Carnegie Hall for his contributions to Latin music. Additionally, D’Rivera’s highly acclaimed ensembles: the Chamber Jazz Ensemble, the Paquito D’Rivera Big Band, and the Paquito D’Rivera Quintet are in great demand world wide.

Paquito’s contributions to classical music are impressive. They include solo performances with the London Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra, the Baltimore Symphony, the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Brooklyn Philharmonic. He has also performed with the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, the Costa Rica National Symphony, the Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra, the Bronx Arts Ensemble, and the St. Luke’s Chamber Orchestra, among others.

Ticket Information

Giants of Jazz VIP Package: $120
• One reserved prime Orchestra ticket
• Access to post performance VIP Reception plus jam session with event musicians
• Gourmet Buffet
• One drink voucher (+ Cash Bar available)

Photo Credit: R. Andrew Lepley

SOPAC Member Benefits

Member Discounts: Members at the Advocate Level or higher ($65+) will receive a discounted ticket price.

Accessibility & Accommodation

If you or a member of your party needs assistance, please notify SOPAC at the time your tickets are purchased. Contact the SOPAC Box Office at (973) 313-2787 or boxoffice@SOPACnow.org.