Latin Music & Stories to Play

Immerse yourself in an evening of Latin jazz mastery as Latin Music & Stories to Play takes the stage on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the University of Miami’s Gusman Concert Hall. Part of the UM Frost School of Music’s Signature Series, this performance showcases the work of GRAMMY-winning drummer, composer and Frost School of Music faculty member Dafnis Prieto. Known for his dynamic storytelling through melody and rhythm, Prieto presents both new compositions and selections from his acclaimed album Back to the Sunset. Blending the rich sounds of his Cuban heritage with an innovative, modern approach, Prieto brings a compelling musical narrative to life, inviting audiences into a world where tradition meets contemporary expression.

Cuban-born Dafnis Prieto has left an indelible mark on the world of jazz with his revolutionary drumming techniques and unique compositional voice. His accolades include a GRAMMY Award for Back to the Sunset, a MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship, multiple GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY nominations, and the Jazz Journalists Association’s Up & Coming Musician of the Year award in 2006. Prieto’s body of work spans genres and formats, from compositions for dance and film to pieces for orchestras and chamber ensembles. His ten albums as a leader showcase his versatile bands and encompass everything from duets to large ensembles, including his notable recent project, Tentación, which premiered in 2022 with the Louisville Orchestra and other major symphonies. An educator and author, Prieto is also known for his groundbreaking drum book A World of Rhythmic Possibilities and his book for non-drummers, Rhythmic Synchronicity. Since 2015, he has served as the director of the Frost Latin Jazz Orchestra at the University of Miami, where he continues to inspire future generations of musicians.