Humberto Zaldívar Michel
Master in Music Pedagogy - Jazz
Date of Birth: March 28,1974
Place of Birth: Camagüey Province, Cuba
Early Life and Education
He was born into a traditional family of musicians. His father, Humberto Zaldívar Wambrug, was a trumpet player, conductor, composer, and professor at the Camagüey College of Music.
At the age of 6, Humberto received his first music lessons from his father. Four years later, he passed the entrance exam for trumpet at the Escuela Vocacional de Artes (E.V.A.) in Camagüey, where he also received his basic musical training.
Professional Career
Currently Humberto Zaldivar is working on his project Jazz Collective and his first solo album.
2024
Humberto Zaldivar graduated with excellent, outstanding grades from the Zurich University of the Arts.
2023
During his time as a student, he participated in several projects, including collaborations with Dutch saxophonist Tineke Postma and the DKSJ AllStar for a tour through Switzerland’s most important
jazz clubs. They also performed live at the FRS radio station in Lausanne. He made numerous recordings with a Big Band and worked alongside Big Band director Martin Streule, performing concerts at
the university’s MEHR SPUR Club.
2022
He took his entrance exams for the ZHdK in Zurich to begin studies in psychology and jazz trumpet.
2010
He became a member of the Afro-Cuban All Stars and performed at festivals worldwide. He collaborated with German singer Helene Fischer, Matt Bianco, and Tony Martinez & Cuban Power, contributing
to several CD productions.
2005 onwards
He performed with singer and entertainer Roberto Blanco at various concerts.
2003-2005
Humberto performed with the Gateway Orquestra at the NDR Rolf-Liebermann-Studio and collaborated with international artists, such as pop Russian singer Juliette Simonovskaja.
2001
Moved to Germany, where he performed with various groups, including “Cubanísimo” and “Sexteto Chanchullo.” He performed at major jazz festivals in Italy, Germany, and Norway, and recorded several
albums.
1998-2000
He continued performing internationally and regularly appeared on Cuban television and radio. He participated in the film Cuban Fire and accompanied renowned Cuban singer Caridad Hierrezuelo on a
European tour.
1996-1997
He joined the young formation “Grupo Asere” and later recorded his first album A mi Yemayá with the band “Eco del Caribe” in Havana’s EGREM studios. Humberto was also invited by Compay Segundo of
Buena Vista Social Club to record three CDs: Lo Mejor de la Vida, Duet, and Gracias Compay.
1993-1995
After graduation, Humberto performed with the vocal group “Ébano y Marfil” and later became the lead trumpet player in the band “Campo Alegre.” He toured internationally, performing in Spain, Mexico,
Colombia, and Venezuela, alongside renowned artists such as Oscar de León and “Grupo Niche.”
1993
Humberto graduated with a degree in Classical Trumpet and Music Theory and Practice Teaching.
1986
Humberto won first prize in both classical and Cuban music categories at a regional competition in Camagüey. He later represented his city at the national “Amadeo Roldán” competition in Havana, where he placed second overall and first in Cuban music.
After completing his elementary education, he enrolled at the prestigious “Escuela Nacional de Arte” (E.N.A.) in Havana to further his classical studies.
Discography
1997 "Lo Mejor de la Vida" by Compay Segundo (Buena Vista Social Club) – Warner Music
1997 "Duet " by Compay Segundo (Buena Vista Social Club) – Warner Music
1997 "Gracias Compay" by Compay Segundo (Buena Vista Social Club) – Warner Music
1998 "A mi Yemayá" by Cotó y su Eco del Caribe – EGREM Studios, Cuba
2001 "Mirando al Sur" by Los Complices – Germany
2001 "El Son Llegó" by Sonido Tres - Germany
2004 "Gratitud" by Sonido Tres - Germany
2005 Sueños perdidos with Rodrigo Tobar – Chile
2005 "Live Concierto" by Cuba Vista - Germany
2007 "Nave dos Sonhos " by Nosly - Brasil / Germany
2009 "O Traffico" by Napolatina – Germany
2011 "Con Clave " by Jacqueline Castellanos & Tokame - Germany
2012 "Ya Llegó" by Sonido Tres - Germany
2013 "Noche de Sal" by Sambasal – Denmark
2015 "Seguimos" by Son pa Ti – Germany
2017 "Si Señor Live" by Si Señor - Germany
2017 "Erste Schritte" by Carolyne Pirulli – USA
2018 "The Offbeat of Hearts" by Salsamania – Germany
Filmography
2000 "Cuban Fire" by Brian Ramsay – Cuba
2003 Wagner meets Cuba, "Parsifal goes La Habana" by Gateway4M - Germany