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.​

English Folk Dance & Song Society

The purpose of the English Folk Dance & Song Society is to champion folk dance and music at the heart of England’s rich and diverse cultural landscape.

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

Take the lead: They drive change, they motivate and develop new generations of folk artists, practitioners and audiences, and build networks and partnerships.

Connect passions: They spark curiosity and creative possibilities by providing opportunities for learning, studying and exploring folk.

Treasure folk: They preserve, present and promote folk arts and their rich resources.

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Their Vision
That people in England have the opportunity to connect with and enjoy folk. They aim to be bold and relevant to a constantly evolving modern world. They believe passionately that people of all ages and backgrounds should enjoy the rich traditions and present-day vibrancy of folk dance and music.​