Michel Padrón is a Cuban-British musician and undoubtedly one of the most versatile artists of his generation, excelling as a trumpeter, educator, composer, arranger, and music producer.
Born into an artistic family in Havana, Cuba, in 1976, Michel began his musical journey at the age of eight studying piano. Two years later, he discovered his true passion for the trumpet, which would become his primary instrument.
His exceptional talent as a young trumpet player earned him numerous awards, leading to his admission to the prestigious Amadeo Roldán Conservatory. He graduated in 1995, and his outstanding achievements secured him a position with the National Symphony Orchestra of Cuba, where he performed until 2004. He later joined the Opera and Ballet Symphony Orchestra of the Gran Teatro de La Habana, remaining there until 2007.
Throughout his career, Michel has been recognised not only for his work in the classical field but also for his extensive collaborations across genres. He has shared the stage with distinguished artists such as Billy Cobham, Cesaria Évora, Toto la Momposina, Jaques Morelenbaum, Seckou Keita, Chucho Valdés, Leo Brouwer, Claudio Abbado, Sir George Martin, Omara Portuondo, Manuel “Guajiro” Mirabal, Germán López, Orlando “Cachaíto” López, Henry Fiol, and Máxima 79, among others.
Michel has performed at major jazz and world music festivals across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa, appearing in over 20 countries. His work has been recorded on both independent and major labels, including Putumayo, BMG, and Warner, collaborating with artists from around the globe.
As a composer, his music has been featured in films, television series, documentaries, commercials, short films, and theatre productions in Cuba, Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, and beyond.
Among his recent achievements, Michel contributed as lead trumpet on selected recording sessions for the soundtrack of the blockbuster film 007: No Time to Die.
He is also the director of ASERE, one of the most notable Cuban son bands of the past 15 years, with over 100,000 streams across Spotify and social media platforms and followers around the world. Deeply rooted in the tradition of Cuban son, the project reflects Michel’s commitment to preserving and reimagining the genre, bringing its essence to new generations and international audiences.
Actively involved in the UK jazz scene, he is widely regarded as an important figure in Latin jazz within the country. He regularly performs with a variety of bands and ensembles across multiple genres throughout the UK and Europe.
In addition to his performing career, Michel teaches brass and piano at the North Somerset Music Service, part of North Somerset Council, where he shares his knowledge and passion with students across several primary and secondary schools.
He is also an active contributor to the cultural life of Bristol, the South West, and the wider UK. His involvement in numerous projects reflects both his artistic vision and his commitment to the development of a vibrant music scene. With consistently strong reviews from specialist critics, his work continues to resonate deeply with audiences.
His latest project, Michel Padrón and his Bristol Afro-Cuban Jazz Ensemble, is set to premiere this June at Bristol Beacon. Early ticket sales already point towards a significant milestone in his career.
While developing his own musical productions and collaborating with artists worldwide, Michel spends most of his days in his recording studio. Balancing his life as a father and husband, he dedicates his time to teaching, recording, and creating music that speaks to both the soul and the ears of audiences around the world.
