By Brenda Hillegas

When Alfredo Rodríguez and Pedrito Martínez take the stage together, the result is not just a performance but a musical dialogue—one shaped by Havana street rhythms, classical conservatory training, and the restless evolution of modern jazz.

On Jan. 22, as part of Ensemble Arts Philly’s 2025–26 Jazz Series, the Grammy-nominated Cuban artists will bring that conversation to Philadelphia for a rare, one-night-only performance at the Perelman Theater inside the Kimmel Center. 

“What Alfredo Rodríguez and Pedrito Martínez create together is more than music; it’s a conversation between worlds,” said Frances Egler, Vice President of Theatrical Programming and Presentations. “When they meet, you hear the past, present, and future of jazz all at once.” 

The duo’s collaboration began in 2012, when Martínez joined Rodríguez on ‘The Invasion Parade.’ Opportunities for them to perform together have been rare, making each appearance a sought-after event. Their creative partnership deepened with ‘Duologue,’ a critically acclaimed album produced by Quincy Jones that firmly established Rodríguez and Martínez as one of contemporary jazz’s most compelling pairings.

“What makes this duo completely different is that I came from the folkloric side and Alfredo  came from the classical side,” said Martínez. “You put those things together and you come out with an extraordinary and different sound.” 

Rodríguez, a trained classical pianist, was discovered by his mentor Quincy Jones at the  Montreux Jazz Festival. He trained in Havana’s classical conservatories and shaped his artistry as much by Bach and Stravinsky as by Afro-Cuban rhythms and jazz.

Martínez honed his craft on the streets of the Cayo Queso neighborhood of Old Havana, learning deeply in the rooted percussion and vocal styles of Afro-Cuban folkloric and religious music. Over the years, he has collaborated with icons such as Sting, Paul Simon, and Wynton Marsalis.  

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at ensembleartsphilly.org, by phone at 215-893-1999, or in person at the Academy of Music Box Office, 240 S. Broad St., open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Rodríguez and Martínez are part of a robust 2025–26 Jazz Series lineup that continues throughout the spring, featuring Kurt Elling: Wildflowers  (Feb. 27), Emmet Cohen: Miles and Coltrane at 100 (March 20), Endea Owens & The Cookout (March 28), Christian McBride & Edgar Meyer (April 21), Rhiannon Giddens (May 5), and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis (May 26).

Keywords

Jazz,

Ensemble Arts Philly,

Quincy Jones,

Alfredo Rodríguez,

Pedrito Martínez