A native of Colombia, reedman, composer and arranger, Justo Almario has fused Latin, Afro-Cuban, South American, funk and jazz genres into his own humble offerings. He started his career as a member of Mongo Santamaria’s band, and has been a part of such groups as Roy Ayers, Willie Bobo, Chaka Khan and George Duke. He leads an Afro-Columbian ensemble and has been featured in numerous movie soundtracks, including Rio, Sideways and most recently Disney’s “Encanto.”

Recognized for his “ingenuity and virtuosity” (Chicago Tribune), composer and pianist Ryan Cohan has released six critically acclaimed albums of original music and collaborated with numerous jazz luminaries and elite ensembles including Freddie Hubbard, Ramsey Lewis, Kurt Elling, Joe Locke, Randy Brecker, Paquito D’Rivera and The Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Cohan has been awarded the Guggenheim Fellowship in composition, Sundance Institute’s Feature Film Music and Sound Design Fellowship, four Chamber Music America New Jazz Works grants, and he has embarked on multiple international tours as a cultural ambassador representing the U.S. Department of State in partnership with Jazz at Lincoln Center. "I imagine this piece as a journey with evolving themes that ultimately release to a feeling of gratitude and joy. This is reflected in the bright harmonies and driving rhythms recurring later in the piece as well as in the variety of grooves happening throughout its development. Like any worthwhile voyage, there are moments of contemplation which are expressed early in the music and in the strings feature prior to the recap. “In Footsteps of Titans” gives a nod to some of the luminary musicians that have inspired my musical path. As a pianist and composer whose influences are not bound by stylistic divides, the great George Duke is naturally represented in this group. As such, it is an extra special honor to receive this commissioning award in his name."

Francisco Torres is a trombonist, arranger, composer, and educator who has served as musical director for the legendary Poncho Sanchez. He has been a longtime member of the Symphonic Jazz Orchestra as well as a member of Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, John Beasley’s Monkestra, and the Clare Fischer Big Band. Over the years, Francisco has worked with a wide variety of musicians including Ray Charles, Pitbull, Ricky Martin, Dianne Reeves, and Bob Dylan. As an educator, he is an in-demand clinician and guest artist working with leading colleges and universities across the country. “‘Romance a La Antigua’ is a bit of a throwback to the Cuban social gatherings where danzon was listened and danced to. It is an elegant music, with violins, cellos and flutes featured prominently. In this piece I've tried to convey the essence of those times, while also showcasing the evolution of danzon amongst jazz musicians. In this piece I've tried to capture the essence of what Justo Almario is. An incredible jazz musician with so many accolades to his credit. He can go from a stint with Freddie Hubbard, to playing Latin jazz with Mongo Santamaria, to recording with the father of the mambo, Cachao. He can play saxophone, flute and clarinet all at the highest level and I am honored to be able to write this piece using Justo's talents on the clarinet.”

The Grammy Award–nominated composer, celebrated pianist, and inventive vocalist, is acclaimed for her evocative colors, rich textures, and diverse stylistic range. With her talent sought-after by artists and organizations worldwide, the polyglot musician continues to attract new audiences both onstage and off. The prolific composer has more than 70 works to her credit, including numerous commissions for Carnegie Hall, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Orquestra Sinfônica de São Paulo, Chicago Sinfonietta, and the La Jolla Music Festival, to name a few. As a performer, Clarice has appeared at internationally renowned venues and festivals including The Netherlands’ Concertgebouw, Carnegie Hall, Belgium’s Le Palais des Beaux-Arts, Le Casino de Paris, and Jazz at Lincoln Center.