The Buena Vista Orchestra, an ensemble carrying forward the musical legacy of Cuba’s legendary Buena Vista Social Club, will perform Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m. in Hodgson Concert Hall as part of the University of Georgia Performing Arts Center’s 2026-27 UGA Presents season.
Drawing on musicians associated with the Buena Vista Social Club, Afro-Cuban All Stars, and the bands of such Cuban music legends as Celia Cruz, Omara Portuondo and Chucho Valdés, the Buena Vista Orchestra brings the rhythms, melodies and traditions of Cuban music to audiences around the world. The Athens performance will celebrate the enduring music that helped introduce Cuban son, bolero, mambo, and other styles to listeners worldwide.
The Buena Vista Social Club became one of the most celebrated musical projects of the late 20th century, particularly following the release of its Grammy-winning 1997 album and the acclaimed 1999 documentary film directed by Wim Wenders. The project brought veteran Cuban musicians together with younger artists and helped spark a worldwide revival of interest in traditional Cuban music.
The Buena Vista Orchestra continues that tradition with a revolving ensemble of accomplished musicians whose careers are deeply rooted in Cuba’s musical heritage. The group’s roster includes performers who have worked with Buena Vista-related projects as well as artists associated with the Afro-Cuban All Stars, Willie Colón and other influential Latin and Cuban artists.
Leading the ensemble is virtuoso Cuban violinist Rolando Morejón Reyes, whose extensive career includes performances and leadership with Orquesta de Enrique Jorrín and collaborations with Omara Portuondo, Willie Colón, Cachao López, Oscar D’León and others. Together, the musicians represent generations of Cuban musical experience, bringing the repertoire associated with the Buena Vista movement to contemporary audiences while preserving the distinctive character of the music.
The Buena Vista Orchestra’s performances offer more than a retrospective of a celebrated recording project. The ensemble presents Cuban music as a living tradition, one shaped by generations of artists and continuing to evolve on stages around the world. Its concerts combine virtuosic musicianship with the infectious rhythms and melodic richness of Cuba’s popular music traditions.
This performance is supported by Michael and Carol Hahn, Carolyn T. Howell, Kathryn and Donald Musholt, and Elizabeth Weeks and Thom Leonard.
A free pre-performance talk with David D’Angelo, senior lecturer of jazz in UGA’s Hugh Hodgson School of Music, will take place from 6:45-7:15 p.m. in Ramsey Concert Hall.
Three ways to get tickets
- Purchase tickets online at pac.uga.edu.
- Call the Performing Arts Center box office at 706-542-4400, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Visit the UGA Performing Arts Center box office, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Five-minute parking is available in the drop off circle at the Performing Arts Center for purchasing or picking up tickets.)
UGA Presents single tickets start at just $30 with promo code PAC30, and UGA student tickets are $15. Audience members can create their own series of three or more performances for 10% off.
Information about accessibility and venue amenities is available on the PAC website. Parking is free.
To learn more about all UGA Performing Arts Center events, visit pac.uga.edu.