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Cosette Justo Valdés, Artistic Director

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The CUBAN VIBES: A SYMPHONIC FESTIVAL takes place over 3 days on Family Day Weekend in Nanaimo in February – when Islanders need to come in out of the rain and feel the heat!  VIS Artistic Director, Cosette Justo Valdés has created a fabulous festival with world class Cuban musicians that will perform in 3 concerts – all showcasing the unique styles of Latin jazz and traditional Cuban music for February 12, jazz on February 13 and a wonderful mix of Cuban zarzuela and orchestral classics with popular Cuban music for orchestra, including son, danzón, cha cha chá and mambo on February 14.

This Festival is presented by the Vancouver Island Symphony with the orchestra performing at the Saturday afternoon and evening shows.

2 Show Series Tickets on Sale Now! Single Tickets on Sale November 12!

Purchase 2 Show Series Tickets:
Includes: A Night in Old Havana & Waves of Latin Jazz

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Single Tickets on Sale Nov 12

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CONCERT TICKETS SOLD EXCLUSIVELY
BY THE PORT THEATRE.

A NIGHT IN OLD HAVANA
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2026

7:15 PM SALSA LESSONS | 8:00 PM CONCERT

Step into the spirited world of “A Night in Old Havana” at the Opening Night of CUBAN VIBES: A SYMPHONIC FESTIVAL. Experience the pulsating rhythms and vibrant energy of Cuba through exquisite performances by world-class Cuban jazz musicians. Let the fusion of spontaneity and tradition transport you to the heart and soul of Havana, creating unforgettable memories that will linger long after the music fades.

Hosted by dynamic VIS Artistic Director Cosette Justo Valdés, this event promises an electrifying atmosphere that’s both inviting and exhilarating. Escape the mundane, come in out of the rain and feel the warmth of Havana as it comes to life on the Port Theatre stage. Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of this magical evening!

7:15 – 8:00 p.m. In the Port Theatre lobby: Come early and learn to Salsa dance …to get you warmed up for the show; submit your favourite photo of a Cuban holiday (ahead of the show) and view it in a collage of Cuba photos and get your photo taken in the Old Havana Café with your friends and family.
8:00 – 9:00 p.m. A Night in Old Havana
Attire: Wear your summer dresses, shorts, skirts and flipflops as if you were headed off on vacation!

Guest Artists:
Harold López-Nussa,  piano
Ruy López-Nussa, drums
Lino Piquero Bueno, , double bass
Jose Sanchez, Cuban percussion
Roberto Vizcaino Jr., Cuban percussion
Miguel Valdés, trumpet, Cuban percussion
Miguel de Armas, piano
Mayquel González, trumpet
Phil Dwyer, saxophone
Nico Rhodes, piano
Joëlle Rabu, singer
Sarah Caulfield, soprano

Purchase 2 Show Series Tickets:
Includes: A Night in Old Havana & Waves of Latin Jazz

PURCHASE 2 SHOW SERIES TICKETS

Single Tickets on Sale Nov 12

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WAVES OF LATIN JAZZ
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2026 | 7:30 PM

Experience the Essence: Waves of Latin Jazz at the Cuban Vibes Symphonic Festival

Get ready for an unforgettable second night of the Cuban Vibes: A Symphonic Festival, where the vibrant spirit of Latin Jazz merges seamlessly with the heart and soul of Cuba. The evening promises a dazzling array of mesmerizing performances by world-renowned musicians who have captivated audiences across global arenas.

Immerse yourself in the lush melodies and irresistible syncopated rhythms that fill the night air with an electric energy. This is not just a concert; it’s a jubilant celebration of culture, rhythm, and the transcendent language of music that speaks to all.

Guest Artists:
Mayquel González, , trumpet
Harold López-Nussa, piano
Ruy López-Nussa, drums
Lino Piquero Bueno, double bass
Roberto Vizcaino Jr., Cuban percussion
Miguel de Armas, piano
Phil Dwyer, saxophones

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SOLD OUT CONCERT

CUBAN HEARTBEATS
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2026 | 7:30 PM

A thrilling evening filled with the rhythm, passion and joy of Cuban music! Join Artistic Director Cosette Justo Valdés, the Vancouver Island Symphony and her amazing guests for an evening of virtuosity and fun! Romantic arias from Cuban operettas, Cuban jazz standards and more will make this evening the perfect way to spend Valentine’s Day!

Conductor: Cosette Justo Valdés

Guest Artists:
Harold López-Nussa, piano
Ruy López-Nussa, drums
Lino Piquero Bueno,  double bass
Roberto Vizcaino Jr., Cuban percussion
Miguel Valdés, trumpet, Cuban percussion
Miguel de Armas, piano
Mayquel González, trumpet
Phil Dwyer, saxophones
Sarah Caulfield, soprano

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VIS FAMLY SHOW
CUBA IN HER CARRY-ON
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2026 | 2:00 PM

Gramma Cathy just came back from her super fun vacation in Cuba, and she’s bursting with stories to share! She found all sorts of cool music, yummy food, and fascinating customs, and she can’t wait to tell her grandkids all about her adventures! You’ll hear traditional songs from Cuba and Canada, and the musicians will have everyone singing and dancing in their seats, in no time!

About the Show: 60 minutes, relaxed audience, for Kids ages 5-10, audience participation

In the Lobby before the the Show: Get your photo taken, colouring sheets for the kids

Conductor: Cosette Justo Valdés with the Vancouver Island Symphony

Guest Artists:
Gramma Cathy: Joëlle Rabu
The Grandkids: VIS Noteworthy Kids Choir (Patricia Plumley, Choir Director)
Nico Rhodes, Music Arranger

FAMILY SERIES SPONSOR

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NOTEWORTHY KIDS CHOIR SPONSOR

Send Every Grade 4 Student to a VIS Concert
Help transform young lives through the power of music

Your donation can be the catalyst for transforming lives through the power of music.
Help us send every Grade 4 student to a VIS concert designed specifically for them.
The VIS Music Education program builds music appreciation and participation in
over 2,500 nine and  ten year old children each year.
Let’s welcome the symphony audiences of the future together!

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Harold López-Nussa
Piano

Pianist and composer Harold López-Nussa has been steadily building a global following in jazz and beyond over the past two decades since winning the prestigious Montreux Jazz Piano Competition in 2005. López-Nussa has released acclaimed albums and captivated audiences around the world with his thrilling performances at esteemed venues and jazz festivals.

Born into a musical family in Havana, Cuba, his music reflects the full range and richness of the Cuban musical tradition with its distinctive combination of folkloric, popular, and classical elements as well as its embrace of improvisation. With his Blue Note Records debut, Timba a la Americana, López-Nussa reaches a career milestone with a vibrant album teeming with joy and pathos that was inspired by the pianist’s recent decision to leave his Cuban homeland and begin a new life in France. Produced by Michael League (Snarky Puppy), Timba a la Americana presents 10 dynamic new compositions and features the harmonica virtuoso Grégoire Maret, Luques Curtis on bass, Bárbaro “Machito” Crespo on congas, and Harold’s brother Ruy Adrián López-Nussa on drums.

Ruy López-Nussa
Drums

Ruy Adrian López Nussawas born on August 30th, 1986 in Havana City. He studied piano and percussion, and in 2009 graduated from ISA (Higher Art Institute) in percussion.

He has performed not only in the main stages in Cuba but also the most important Jazz Clubs around the world, including the Montreal Jazz Festival, Marciac Jazz Festival, Montreux Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, and Jazz in Orleans.

He has also been performing for the last 15 years with the virtuous Cuban piano player, Aldo Lopez Gavilan in amazing stages concerts during the season of the Royal Ballet of London at Lincoln Center of NYC. In 2010, he composed with Harold Lopez Nussa the music of El Camino de las Gaviotas, a cartoon produced by Cuba and Brazil. In 2011, he also composed with Harold Lopez Nussa the music of

In 2020, he released his first CD-DVD as a single composer, Dos Lenguajes. Lopez-Nussa won the Cuba Disco Prize for Best First Work, 2020-2021 and in 2021 the IV ‘Tete Montoliu’ Jazz Composition Contest with his work ‘A Lyle’, an ode to American jazz pianist and composer Lyle Mays.

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Lino Piquero Bueno
Double Bass

Lino Piquero Bueno is a professional musician hailing from Havana, Cuba. Playing Double Bass and Bass Guitar, Lino began his music education at the Alejandro García Caturla Conservatory of Havana at only 9 years of age and went on to graduate from the National School of Arts (known as The ENA). His professional career includes working with luminaries such as: Alain Pérez, Issac Delgado,Néstor Torres ,Etienne Charles,Habana d’ Primera, Omara Portuondo, and Buena Vista Social Club, among others. He is also a member of the Musical Theater of Europe and was part of the orchestra of the stage musical Carmen La Cubana and the Ballet Revolution. Now residing in Miami, Lino is the bassist of the Akokán Orchestra of New York, as well as rapper’s Telmary band, and founder of “Trio Más” with Andy García and Otto Santana.

Roberto Vizcaino Jr.
Cuban Percussion

Roberto Jr. Vizcaino represents a new generation of Cuban percussionists who preserves and respects the traditions of his culture and recreates those traditions in modern and classic ways.

He was born into a musical family and community, including his father, Roberto Vizcaino, Chucho Valdez, Giovanni Hidalgo, Karl Perazzo, Horacio El negro Hernandez, Luis Conte, Arturo Sandoval, Richard Bona, Cory Henry, Paquito d’ Rivera, Michel Camilo, Joe Lovano and Gonzalo Rubalcaba.

He has played in the main festivals and stages of the world including the North Sea Jazz-Hollanda, Montreux Jazz Festival, Womadelaide-New Zealand, Nice Jazz Festival-France, Montreal Jazz Festival, and Hollywood Bowl-California

Nominated for the 2018 Grammy and the 2019 Bilboard Awards, and winner of the Latin Grammy Awards 2023 with Chucho Valdés, Paquito D’ Rivera and Reunion sextet, he is currently a member of the Royal Quartet of Chucho Valdés with Horacio “el negro” Hernández and José Armando Gola.

Miguelito (Miguel) Valdés
Trumpet, Cuban Percussion

Described as one of Cuba’s most highly regarded trumpet players of his generation, Miguelito Valdes carries a rich history performing with many of Cuba’s top performers, including the Cabaret Tropicana Orquesta, Pablo Milanes, Isaac Delgado, Mayito Rivera, Klimax, Chucho Valdes, and has participated in award-winning recordings such as “La Rumba Soy Yo”, which won a Latin Grammy in 2001.

In 2000, he began playing with Omara Portuondo (Diva singer of Buena Vista Social Club), with whom he travelled around the world for 6 years. He has also played with important jazz musicians abroad, including Michael Brecker, Herbie Hancock, John Patitucci, Danilo Perez, Wayne Shorter, and many others. He was part of the recording of Rhythms del mundo along with Cold Play, Sting, U2, and Maroon 5 to mention a few.

Miguelito was part of the renowned orchestra Afro Cuban All Stars from 2009 until he joined the Canadian forces as part of the Naden Band in 2012. Since making Victoria, BC his home, he has become very involved in the local music scene with his new 8-piece Orchestra Obatala.

Miguel de Armas
Piano

Renowned Cuban-born pianist, composer, and arranger, Miguel de Armas, has been a dynamic force in the Canadian music scene since making Ottawa his home in 2012. With an illustrious career spanning over 35 years, he has recorded more than 60 albums and collaborated with world-class artists across jazz, Latin, and world music. His signature style seamlessly blends Afro-Cuban rhythms with contemporary jazz, showcasing both tradition and innovation in every performance. As a co-founder of the legendary NG La Banda and a former member of Manolito Simonet y su Trabuco, Miguel has graced prestigious international stages, including the North Sea, Montreux, and Río de Janeiro Jazz Festivals.

In Canada, he has captivated audiences at the Ottawa Jazz Festival, the National Arts Centre, and other major venues. Leading both the Miguel de Armas Quartet and the Ottawa Latin Jazz Orchestra, he continues to push the boundaries of jazz and Afro-Cuban fusion with electrifying performances and dynamic compositions.

Mayquel González
Trumpet

Mayquel González is widely recognized as one of the most outstanding Cuban trumpeters of his generation. With over two decades of experience, he has built a reputation as a jazz virtuoso and master improviser, blending jazz with elements of Cuban popular and folk traditions.

His talent and versatility have led him to perform with some of the genre’s most iconic bands and under the direction of legends such as Chucho Valdés, Ernán López-Nussa, and Harold López-Nussa. He has captivated audiences at world-renowned festivals like the North Sea Jazz Festival and has performed at prestigious venues including the Blue Note (New York and Tokyo) and the Salle Pleyel in Paris.

His collaborations span a wide range of celebrated artists, such as Buena Vista Social Club, Pablo Milanés, Joao Donato, John Cleary, and Isaac Delgado. He contributed as a soloist to the acclaimed animated film Chico y Rita, directed by Fernando Trueba, and has collaborated with the Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba Company and the National Arts Centre Orchestra of Canada.

In 2019, Mayquel released his debut album Tiempos de Paz, which won a Cubadisco Award and marked the formation of his own quartet. His latest project, Cháchara, is an instrumental dialogue between Mayquel and top artists from the Cuban and international music scenes.

Phil Dwyer
Saxophone

On December 13, 2013 Phil Dwyer was appointed as Member of the Order of Canada. He was cited for his “contributions to jazz as a performer, composer, and producer, and for increasing access to music education in his community.” In January 2015, he was recognized by the Royal Conservatory of Music as an Honorary Fellow.

Phil lived in Toronto from 1988 to 2004 and as a ‘first call’ studio musician, became one of the most recorded musicians in the country. He has appeared on eleven Juno Award-winning recordings, countless CBC radio and television shows, and has performed at some of the most prestigious venues and festivals in over 30 countries on four continents. He is also a well-respected composer and arranger for a variety of ensembles soloists in jazz, classical, and pop music.

Phil has been a guest lecturer at universities and music conservatories around the world and, with his wife Theresa, founded and operated the Phil Dwyer Academy of Musical and Culinary Arts for many years, bringing world-class talent to the community from across North America. A fourth-generation Vancouver Islander, Phil is a practicing lawyer In Qualicum Beach, where he was raised and returned to with his family in 2004.

Nico Rhodes
Piano

Nico Rhodes is a genre jumping, multilingual musician who collaborates with
other artists and artforms to experience and explore music in as many styles as possible. Growing up touring around the globe surrounded by artists and the world of theatre – he is equally comfortable playing jazz, classical, funk or roots music, orchestrating a symphony, writing musicals, and conducting choirs. He begins his day with an expresso and practicing his Japanese, the language he is currently embracing.

Nico Rhodes is one of the most in demand young arranger/musical directors in
Canada, with 40 stage musicals to his credit. He’s written 400 original compositions, four original musicals and arranged two symphonic pops concerts. He’s been nominated for two Jessie and five Ovation Awards and in 2019 was honoured with Nanaimo’s Emerging Cultural Leader Award. He composes for stage, screen, and media, collaborates with multiple choirs, plays with several jazz trios and tours in a duo with his mother, renowned chanteuse Joelle Rabu.

www.nicorhodesmusic.com

Joëlle Rabu
Singer

Canadian performer, Joëlle Rabu is a two-time Jessie Award winner and Juno nominee, having won international critical acclaim for her theatrical portrayal of the Parisian chanteuse, Edith Piaf, the iconic singer whose recordings were heard throughout Joëlle’s French upbringing. With a music career spanning over 4 decades, 8 independent recordings, and numerous arts awards, Joëlle has toured throughout 5 continents and garnered international accolades for her torch singing style and engaging stage presence. She has starred in numerous theatre productions and has made many guest appearances with major symphony orchestras across Canada and the USA. Well-known for her ability to delve into myriad musical styles and several languages, Joëlle’s interpretation of classic European cabaret-style tunes, jazz melodies, heart wrenching torch songs combined with her humour and engaging stage presence, Joëlle has left audiences spellbound.  

www.joellerabu.com

Sarah Caulfield
Soprano

Hailing from Chilliwack, Sarah Caulfield has been lauded by Opera Canada as “a singer to watch … her voice was brilliant and full, with floating high notes and effortless coloratura.” A recent M.Mus graduate from the University of British Columbia, her performances included the title role of Rusalka, Frau Fluth (Die Lustigen Weiber von Windsor,) Donna Anna (Don Giovanni,) Corinna (Il viaggio a Reims,) Giulietta (Les contes d’Hoffmann,) Casilda (The Gondoliers,) Aunt Norris (Mansfield Park,) and the Madame in Shadow Catch, a Noh-inspired chamber opera set in Vancouver’s Oppenheimer Park. Since graduating, she debuted as Fiordiligi at the Krušnohorské Theatre in Teplice, Czechia, and covered the role of Lauretta in Opera Kelowna’s Gianni Schicchi. In 2025, she was selected to attend the Lunenburg Academy of Music Performance as part of the Rossini Opera Festival.

Having a passion for chamber and concert repertoire, Sarah has appeared as a soloist with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (Traditional Christmas tour,) Richmond Orchestra (Fauré Requiem,) Bach on the Rock (Handel Messiah,) and the UBC Early Music Ensemble. She has also enjoyed work as a choral soloist and private music instructor. At present, she’s grateful to reside on Treaty 6 territory (Edmonton, Alberta).