Julian Orbon

Full biography Julian Orbon

Julian Orbon de Soto (August 7 , 1925 - May 21, 1991) was a talented Cuban composer and pianist who lived and created music in Spain, Cuba, Mexico, and the United States. He was born in the town of Aviles, Spain to Cuban parents, but he grew up and was raised in Cuba since he was a child. His father Benjamín Orbón was also a composer and pianist, who owned a music studio in Havana. Julian showed an early interest in music, and later on in his life, he studied composition in various countries, including the United States and Spain.

Throughout his career, Julian Orbon composed music in various styles including classical, avant-garde, and popular music. His music is known for combining elements of Cuban folk music with contemporary classical music. Some of his most renowned works include his ballet "Cantata Profana," "Sonata," and his orchestral composition "Tres Versiones Sinfónicas." He also wrote music criticism and played the piano at concerts of contemporary Cuban music , and even took over as director of his father's music studio in Havana after his father's death in 1944.

In 1960, Julian Orbon left Cuba for the United States after the communist revolution, and eventually settled in Miami, Florida. In the United States, he continued to compose music and even played an important role in promoting Cuban classical music to American audiences. He was a professor of music at the University of Miami, and he also worked as a conductor with several musical organizations in the United States.

Sadly, Julian Orbon passed away on May 21, 1991, in Miami, Florida at the age of 65. Even though his music career was cut short, Julian's influence on music is still felt today. His music was ahead of its time, and he was a true pioneer in combining elements of Cuban folk music with classical music. He was a brilliant composer and pianist who is remembered as a true virtuoso of his craft.