Rolando Luna
Nova Concerts Series welcomed Rolando Luna, one of Cuba's leading contemporary pianists, to Copenhagen for a one-night-only performance at The New Music Hall, 25hours Hotel on Papirøen. The concert was presented in collaboration with Cena Viva.
With Rolando Luna, a melody rarely stayed where it began. It opened, changed direction and became a conversation between Cuban rhythm, jazz, classical language and the freedom of improvisation.
A longtime collaborator of Omara Portuondo and former pianist with Buena Vista Social Club, Rolando Luna had contributed to more than 200 recordings throughout his career. He had also won both the Piano Competition and the Audience Award at the Montreux Jazz Festival. Behind those credentials was a musician with an unusual ability to move between forms while keeping the music open, rhythmically alive and deeply his own.
"Rolando is one of the most important Cuban pianists working today. There is a deep knowledge in his playing, and each concert takes shape in the moment, note by note," said Abel Alazo, founder and curator of Nova Concerts Series. "This was a rare opportunity to hear him in Copenhagen, close enough to follow every turn in the music."
Three distinct voices, one shared musical language
For this performance, Luna was joined by bassist Yasser Pino and percussionist Eliel Lazo, two Cuban musicians who had become central figures in Copenhagen's music scene. Together, the trio built its music around rhythm, listening and improvisation.
Brazilian singer, composer and researcher Sabrina Brazzil joined them as a special guest for two songs. Her presence brought the collaboration with Cena Viva into the music itself, creating an encounter between the Cuban trio and a Brazilian voice.
The collaboration brought together two Copenhagen-based cultural platforms interested in how music travels between countries, artistic communities and new audiences. Nova Concerts Series hosted Rolando Luna and led the artistic presentation. Cena Viva brought its experience in the international circulation of Brazilian artistic work.
One night only on Papirøen
For this one night, 25hours Hotel opened its doors to the collaboration. Located on Papirøen and surrounded by Copenhagen's harbour, The New Music Hall offered a setting shaped around gathering and hospitality. The intimate setting brought the audience close to the musicians as the exchange between Luna, Pino and Lazo unfolded, with Sabrina Brazzil joining them for two songs.
Date
September 4th, 2026, 8pm
Doors open
7pm
Venue
The New Music Hall, 25hours Hotel
Papirøen, Copenhagen
Rolando Luna
On September 4, at 25hours Hotel Papirøen, we experienced Cuban pianist Rolando Luna’s first-ever concert in Copenhagen, accompanied by Yasser Pino and Eliel Lazo, with special guests Sabrina Brazzil and Paolo Russo.
From beginning to end, the concert was a journey through Rolando Luna’s musical universe and a vivid expression of his artistic personality. His versatility unfolded from the opening solo performance of the Scherzo: Allegro giocoso from Tchaikovsky’s Grande Sonate in G Major, Op. 37, through a personal interpretation of Der er et yndigt land, to Cuba with El Manisero and an unexpected rendition of the Bee Gees’ How Deep Is Your Love.
The journey continued to Brazil and Italy, guided by Brazilian singer Sabrina Brazzil and Italian pianist and bandoneonist Paolo Russo. Their guest appearances brought new colours and conversations to the music.
The concert culminated in a powerful Afro-Cuban celebration with a song dedicated to Oshún, the Yoruba goddess of love, beauty and the rivers.
The concert
This concert offered Nova’s audience a vision of contemporary Cuban pianism: music that reaches beyond its traditional roots, encounters other cultures and flows along transcultural paths. Artists such as Rolando Luna combine extraordinary technique and versatility with a deep connection to lived experience, shaping new realities through music. In their hands, music becomes a shared language of generosity, openness and tolerance. This is at the heart of Nova Concerts’ mission.
This was an unforgettable experience for everyone who witnessed its irresistible energy and the magnificence of music created between brothers and lifelong friends. We came together to create one of those rare musical moments that can only happen when every star in the Nova Concerts universe aligns. Nights like this stay with us forever.
