Arturo Sandoval

Legendary Musician, Jazz Trumpeter, Pianist and Composer Winner of Grammy, Billboard and Emmy Awards

Cellar Club member Arturo Sandoval is among the most brilliant and prolific musicians of our time. Sandoval, who was born in Cuba and now resides in the United States, is a multi-talented jazz trumpeter, classical musician, pianist and composer. A protégé of the legendary jazz master Dizzy Gillespie, Sandoval has been awarded four Grammy Awards, six Billboard Awards and an Emmy Award. The HBO movie, “For Love or Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story” is based on his life, starring Andy Garcia.  Arturo Sandoval is also a tenured Professor of Music at Florida International University and works with numerous educational institutions, maintaining extensive music education programs around the world.

What influence does your native Cuban homeland have on your music?
Cuban music is in my blood, it runs through every piece of music I play and compose.

In addition to being a music professor at Florida International University, you are involved in numerous music education programs around the world. What do you enjoy most about your work with students?
The most rewarding aspect of the educational programs is that I am able to pass the knowledge acquired over so many years to younger generations.

You travel often for to perform around the world.  Do you have any favorite destinations?
I feel at home any place in the world where people enjoy our music and vibrate with it!

Do you enjoy cooking?
When I’m home, I greatly enjoy cooking, and am especially fond of preparing Cuban specialties. I also make a great Minestrone soup.

Do you enjoy wine?
I love wine. One of my favorite wines is Vega Sicilia Unico, a bold, luscious red wine from Spain’s Ribera del Duero region.

If you had to match a selection of music with a particular wine, what music & wine would you choose? 
I think it all depends on the particular mood one is in…but it’s safe to say that any good wine is a match to good music!

Tell us about your greatest passion outside the world of music.
The one great passion I have is to spend time with my granddaughters.

What have been the most memorable experiences (so far!) you have had at the Biltmore?
Whenever I am at the Biltmore, I find that I have the pleasure of enjoying the company of great people, particularly Gene Prescott, one of the Biltmore’s owners, who often makes an appearance on the property.

What do you enjoy most about the Cellar Club?
The thing I enjoy most about the Cellar Club is that, as a member, I have the opportunity to learn about wine, and participate in various wine-related events.