Joaquin Nunez Hidalgo was born and raised in Cuba where he benefited from the musical instruction of his father, Porfirio Nunez, a member of the renowned Cuban orchestra “Brisas de Nipe”. As a professional artist, he has had a very successful music career in Cuba; performing in multiple music events and festivals. While in Cuba, he was accredited as a Master Percussionist in both classic and contemporary genres at the National Art School (El Yarey).

In Canada since 1999, Joaquin Nunez Hidalgo has performed, with acclaim, in a multitude of international and local music events. A brief synopsis of live performances include: The Canadian Tenors Tour; 2011 Vancouver Olympic Games – World Performance Stage with Hilario Duran and Jane Bunnett (Latin Jazz Big Band); Montreal International Jazz Festival; and Japan Tour – Alexcuba Band. Toronto prestigious events such as: Luminato Festival; Downtown Jazz Festival and Beaches Jazz Festival. Joaquin has generously supported community and multicultural events such as: Muhtadi International Drum Festival and Afrofest; and theatre productions of the Rose Theatre and the Markham Theatre for the Performing Arts (please visit: rumberos.ca/performances).

From television to musical theater, Joaquin has contributed his expertise and musicality to great success. An example of appearances include: PBS special – Canadian Tenors, David Foster, Sarah McLachlan and CBC Holy Days Special with Canadian Tenors, with special guest Paul Anka. Joaquin also performed in highly popular musicals such as; Ross Petty production of “Beauty and the Beast” and Mirvish production of “Dirty Dancing”.

Featured are Joaquin’s dynamic abilities in positions of leader/director and master percussionist in musical ensembles ranging from Afro-Cuban Folk to Jazz, namely: Rumba Iyabo (Afro-Cuban Folkloric), Cubanos (Traditional Cuban music) African Spirit Drumming (African and Latin cultures with Sudanese born Walled Abdul Hamid) and Kalabash ( Jazz/Afro-Cuban rhythms) to name a few.

An accomplished recording artist, Joaquin has provided percussion on Juno and Grammy nominated CD compliations, namely: Juno nominated – Hilario Duran Trio “Motion” (2010); and, Grammy nominated and Juno Award Winner 2007 – Hilario Big Band CD “From the Heart” featuring Horatio El Negro Hernandes & Paquito de Riveras (2007). Joaquin co-produced “Havana Nights” (2010) in collaboration with renowned jazz pianist, Eddie Bullen; also, he was the producer of Cubanos’ debut CD “Holguin” (2002); and, he performed the percussion for the North American premier of the soundtrack to the musical theatre production of “Dirty Dancing” (2008).

International collaboration and philanthropy is Joaquin’s newest passion with the co-founding of Cuba Fiesta – Music and Film Festival 2012. An annual festival showcasing music, dance and film from around the world taking place in Cuba with a mission to supply, refurbish and modernize the Octavio de la Concepcion Pediatric Hospital in Holguin. This venture highlights Joaquin’s natural inclination as a cultural ambassador fostering further development of music programs in Cuba and collaborations in Canada.