Omar Puente

Omar Puente

Omar Puente is a Cuban-born violinist, composer, arranger and educator who works in jazz and related music. He is based in England.

Early life and training

Puente studies classical music at the Escuela Nacional de Arte in Havana from the age of 12. He later continues his training at Estaban Salas and builds a career in classical music.

Classical and Cuban music career

He joins the Nacional Symphony Orquestra de Cuba and becomes first violin. Alongside that orchestral work, he also plays popular Cuban music in clubs. After leaving the orchestra, he tours internationally performing modern Cuban music.

Life and work in Britain

Puente settles in Britain in 1997 with his English wife, Debbie Purdy. He performs with saxophonist Courtney Pine, who also produces his solo album From There to Here.