Grammy-nominated pianist, composer, and Cuban music trailblazer, Roberto Fonseca, will return to Australia in March 2026 for the first time in over a decade, with a national tour showcasing his critically acclaimed album, La Gran Diversión, along with songs from across his storied career.
“The most exciting pianist in Cuba” – The Guardian
Fonseca will commence his Australian tour at the Princess Theatre in Brisbane on 3 March, followed by a performance at Melbourne’s Recital Centre on 5 March, before closing his tour in Adelaide from 6 to 9 March, marking his return to the celebrated festival WOMADelaide.
Released in 2023, La Gran Diversión is a tribute to the golden era of Cuban music, shaped by the man who arguably personified the revival of the Cuban sound.
Inspired by the legendary 1930s Parisian cabaret Cabane Cubaine, the album fuses infectious rhythms, dazzling horn sections, and spellbinding piano melodies – an invitation to dance and celebrate the joyful spirit of Cuba.
A major force in contemporary Cuban music for over 20 years, Fonseca rose to global prominence through performing with the Buena Vista Social Club and releasing multiple acclaimed solo albums, including Zamazu (2007), ABUC (2016), and the Grammy-nominated YO (2012). His genre-defying sound blends Afro-Cuban roots with jazz, funk, and global influences, featuring collaborations with icons like Omara Portuondo, Gilles Peterson, Ibrahim Ferrer, Baba Sissoko and Fatoumata Diawara among others.
Appointed Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 2019 – the highest artistic distinction in France – Fonseca’s legacy is as deep as it is wide. The son of Tropicana Club Cuban dancer, Mercedes Cortes Alfaro, and drummer, Roberto Fonseca Senior, he made his debut at the La Havana Jazz Festival in Cuba at just 15 years old. Today, he serves as its artistic director, three decades later.
In early 2025, Fonseca made his second appearance on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series, reaffirming his position as a global ambassador of Cuban music.
“Together we will laugh, cry, enjoy the mystery and magic of rhythms and melodies stemming from my roots.” – Roberto Fonseca
Tickets are now on sale.
- The Princess Theatre, Brisbane 3 Mar
- Melbourne Recital Centre 5 Mar
- WOMADelaide, Botanic Park/Tainmuntilla, Adelaide 6 & 9 Mar