Mexican-American pianist, composer, and bandleader Arturo O'Farrill stands as a towering figure in contemporary music, renowned for his genre-defying virtuosity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to social justice through music. O'Farrill is a celebrated composer whose work has been performed by Dr. Cornel West, pianist Lara Downes, The San Francisco Ballet and more. Hailed by DownBeat as "one of our greatest living pianists", O'Farrill bridges the gap between traditional Latin rhythms, modern jazz, and contemporary composition, continually pushing the boundaries of the art form while maintaining a profound connection to his roots. Beyond performing worldwide, O'Farrill is a passionate educator and advocate for social justice, using his platform to champion diversity and unity. As founder and director of both the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra (ALJO) and Belongó (formerly known as the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance), O'Farrill plays a pivotal role in nurturing cultural dialogue through the transformative power of music. 

Driven by a mission to merge Afro Latin traditions with the innovation of modern jazz, Arturo O'Farrill founded the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra (ALJO) in 2022, redefining Latin jazz through bold performances, social commentary, and global collaborations. From Carnegie Hall to NYU Abu Dhabi, the ALJO has become a vital force in music, recently appearing at Town Hall with Brazilian legends and at WNYC's Centennial Broadcast. O'Farrill has partnered with choreographers from Alvin Ailey to Ballet Hispanico and score major works like Arielle Smith's Carmen for the San Francisco Ballet. His compositions, like Tabla Raza with Tania León and Four Questions with Dr. Cornel West, reflect a deep engagement with heritage and activism. In 2007, he launched the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance (now Belongó), a nonprofit advancing Afro Latin jazz and community empowerment. A renowned educator at UCLA and beyond, O'Farrill also leads Casa Belongó, a new cultural hub in East Harlem. A 6-time GRAMMY winner, his acclaimed recordings include Fandango at the Wall in New York, Four Questions, and the 2024 release Mundoague: Celebrating Carla Bley, hailed by the Wall Street Journal as a grammy-nominated "masterwork."