A Musical Journey Reunited

When brothers Aldo López-Gavilán and Ilmar Gavilán share the stage, the result is nothing short of magical. These Cuban-born musicians, each a master in his own right, unite their talents to create a sound that defies genres and celebrates the rich musical traditions of their homeland. This January, audiences at The Joyce Theater have the rare opportunity to witness their artistry live as they perform alongside Cuba’s celebrated Malpaso Dance Company.

Two Brothers, One Story

Aldo López-Gavilán and Ilmar Gavilán were born into a vibrant musical family in Havana, Cuba, where their mother, a celebrated concert pianist, and their father, a conductor and composer, nurtured their artistic talents. However, their paths diverged dramatically when Ilmar, at just 14 years old, left Cuba to pursue classical training at the Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow.

This early separation marked the beginning of a decades-long challenge for the brothers. While Ilmar eventually settled in the United States and built a thriving career as a violinist, Aldo remained in Havana, becoming one of Cuba's most celebrated jazz pianists and composers. Geopolitical tensions and strained U.S.-Cuba relations created barriers that made even the simplest acts of connection—phone calls, visits, collaborations—fraught with difficulty, only furthering their inability to reunite.

For years, their connection was sustained only through sporadic visits and their shared love of music. Their unique journey, shaped by both personal resilience and political obstacles, is captured in the award-winning documentary Los Hermanos / The Brothers (2020), which chronicles their lives, challenges, and reunion through the unifying power of music.

Live at The Joyce: A Collaborative Celebration

Aldo López-Gavilán and Ilmar Gavilán bring their remarkable synergy to The Joyce Theater, joining forces with Cuba’s acclaimed Malpaso Dance Company. They will be providing accompaniment for Ara, a duet choreographed and performed by Malpaso Dance Company’s Artistic Director Osnel Delgado. 

All photos by Jose V Gavilondo.