Omar Puente

Omar has performed in both classical and jazz genres to positive audiences worldwide. On leaving Cuba, he was first violin with the Cuban National Symphony Orchestra, and toured with Buena Vista’s Ruben Gonzales.

Since arriving in England in 1997, he has maintained an international profile when possible, playing all over Europe, Middle and Far East, the USA and Africa. In England he has supported Tito Puente, Ibraham Ferrer and Omara Portundo, he has played with John Williams, Kirsty MacColl, Jools Holland and Eddie Palmieri, as well as being invited to jam with many visiting Latin artists such as Ruben Gonzales and the Afro Cuban Allstars.

He has maintained close links with both traditional Cuban Music and Classical genres as well as Jazz. This has included a number of high profile projects such as appearing with Winston Marsalis’ Jazz at Lincoln Centre Orchestra at the Barbican Centre, with the Simon Bolivar Philharmonic Orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall, with Nigel Kennedy at 606 Jazz Club, with Eddie Palmieri at Queen Elizabeth Hall, and with several members of the Buena Vista Social Club.​

National Youth Folk Ensemble (Alumni)

The National Youth Folk Ensemble is an English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS) programme funded by Art Council England and is one of its 15 National Youth Music Organisations. In 2026 they are celebrating their 10th anniversary.

They celebrate excellence in youth folk music, bringing together talented young folk
musicians from across England to create and perform inspiring new arrangements of folk
music and encourage progression from earliest grassroots activity in schools and community settings to lifelong engagement with folk music – as participants and professionals.

With young musicians at the heart of the programme, EFDSS nurture their talents, aspirations, and creativity, enabling them to develop into future folk performers, educators and leaders.

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Their mission is : Welcome everyone: Inclusivity is at their core; they celebrate diverse voices and promote
equality in everything they do.​