Joaquín Julio Betancourt Jackman

Joaquín Betancourt, who works as an orchestra conductor, professor, violinist, orchestrator, composer, and music producer, is one of the most versatile musicians on the Cuban music scene and has dedicated a significant portion of his work to developing creativity in young musicians and highlighting popular music and Cuban jazz. He was awarded the National Music Prize in 2019.

At the helm of his Jazz Band, made up of young and talented musicians, he has performed at several of the most notable music festivals and events in the country and has held tributes to historical figures in Cuban musical heritage such as Benny Moré.

Betancourt has always expressed his interest in recovering the roots of Cuban music and the work of personalities who have contributed significantly to the development and evolution of the island's popular rhythms.

"My greatest commitment to Cuba and to all of you is to be increasingly refined in my way of making art, with that music that I make in some way, and to be extremely demanding with everything I do, that is my motto and my commitment," said the distinguished musician.

Joaquín Betancourt remained linked to his studies for nearly more than a decade at the National School of Art in the violin specialty, graduating from it in 1979.
From an early age he showed his musical talent. As a student, he was part of and created several formats of student musical groups. In 1973 he attended with his "Treceto" from the National School of Art, with which he attended the X World Festival of Youth and Students in Berlin, Germany. He graduated from the Higher Institute of Art.

He began his professional career in the Symphony Orchestra of his native Camagüey where he simultaneously developed work as a professor, orchestrator, and composer.

In 1976 he became part of the faculty of the National School of Art Instructors, teaching classes in instrumentation, harmony, and ensemble practice. In 1978 he collaborated as a professor in the People's Republic of Angola.

Upon his return to Cuba, he created the musical group "Opus 13" with which he developed intense creative and promotional work for young Cuban music of that generation. With this group as part of Cabaret Tropicana, he toured Mexico, Argentina, Peru, Spain, Italy, Greece, Poland, Sweden, Finland, Norway, and the United States. His presentations with Opus 13 at the first International "Jazz Plaza" Festivals and the North Sea Festival of Jazz in Halle in Holland were significant.

When "Opus 13" disbanded, Joaquín Betancourt formed the group "Banda JB." In 1994 he directed Isaac Delgado's orchestra. During this period his presence stood out in directing the orchestra of José Alberto ("El Canario") accompanying Isaac Delgado at Madison Square Garden in New York.

For the past five years, maestro Joaquín Betancourt has directed a group of young musicians who have become one of the great attractions of the jazz scene. At JoJazz 2012, the orchestra presented the CD Sueños del pequeño Quin, along with En la espera, another production by the Colibrí record label, belonging to Michel Herrera, one of the young winners of the contest.

Starting in 1998, Joaquín Betancourt developed an intense and successful career as a music producer and orchestrator. He has in his personal record the production of more than 100 albums. Currently, Cuba's music discography holds Joaquín Betancourt's work and compositions in high regard, as well as in other countries in Europe and America.

The following stand out among his musical productions:

"Melosofías"; from the BMG label of France (artist: Diego Pelaez).
"Como pan caliente"; from the Nueva Fania label (Cuban All Star).
"El año que viene"; from the Arts Color label (Isaac Delgado).
"Otra Idea"; from the RMM label (Isaac Delgado)
"Malecon"; from the Bismusic label (Isaac Delgado)/nominated for Latin Grammy 2001.
"Versos en el cielo"; from the Bismusic label (Isaac Delgado).
"Homenaje al Benny"; from the label (various young artists).
"Bachateando"; from the Bismusic label (Mayito Rivera).
"Obsesion"; from the Unicornio label (Miriam Ramos)/Cubadisco Prize.
"La rumba soy yo"; Bismusic label (All Star of rumba), album with which he obtained the Latin Grammy Award of 2001, in the folk music category along with co-producer Cary Diez./Cubadisco Prize.
"La rumba soy yo" ("Con sentimiento mañana"); Bismusic label (various artists)/Cubadisco Prize.
"Una mulata en la Habana"; from the Bismusic label (Adalberto Álvarez and his son).
"El son de Adalberto suena cubano"; from the Bismusic label (Adalberto Álvarez and his son)./Cubadisco Prize.
"Mi linda Habanera"; from the Bismusic label (Adalberto Álvarez and his son)./Cubadisco Prize.
"Charanga Havana All Star"; Egrem label.
"Es que soy yo"; Egrem label (Zunilda Remigio).
"Mi timba cierra"; Egrem label (Pupy y los que son son).
"Mujeres en la música"; Colibrí label (young talent).
"Mi feeling"; Colibrí label (Sexto Sentido).
"Mis sueños"; Egrem (Caribe Girls).
"Sueños del Pequeño Quin"; Colibrí label (Joaquín Betancourt and his young Jazz Band).

He has also collaborated with other albums and artists of the caliber of Chucho Valdés, Cesaria Evora, Omara Portuondo, José Alberto "el Canario," Tania Libertad, José María Cano, Alexcuba, Craig Davis, among others. He has made several trips to Toronto, Canada to teach courses, record productions, and presentations in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with his "Rumba Viva" project.

Awards and Recognition
Joan Sebastián Bach Medal
Music awards as composer and orchestrator at national events (4 in total)
Composition and orchestration awards at song festivals in Germany
Producer of the Year Award in 2005, at the International Festival of Cuban Records "Cubadisco"
Latin Grammy Award 2001
Master of Youth Award 2017
Distinction for National Culture
"Alejo Carpentier" Order
National Music Prize 2019