Kristhyan Benitez
Latin American Classics
Tuesday, November 4th, 2025
10:30am-12pm
Blending performance and conversation, this lecture-recital explores the rhythmic vitality, lyrical beauty, and cultural richness of works by some of the region’s most celebrated composers. Benitez will share personal insights, historical context, and interpretive perspectives that illuminate the traditions and innovations shaping Latin America’s pianistic heritage — all while bringing these masterworks to life at the keyboard.
Date:
Tuesday, November 4th, 2025
10:30am-12pm
Location:
Lang Hall at Hunter College
695 Park Ave /Rm 424N
New York City, NY 1002
Directions for guests:
- Ida K. Lang Recital Hall, Room 424 North Building. Entrance on the south side of East 69th St., between Park Ave. & Lexington Ave.
- GPS Reference Address: 111 E. 69th St., it is the Consulate of Mali across the street from the North Building Courtyard Entrance, therefore guests should not try to actually enter that building.
- For travel directions to Hunter College: http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/abouthunter/maps/68th-street-main-campus
- A reminder:
– Outside guests must include home address when RSVPing
– EMPL ID for All Hunter/CUNY Guests need to be recorded in the attendance guest list
Grammy-winning pianist and composer Kristhyan Benitez is captivating audiences worldwide with his dynamic and versatile performances, seamlessly blending Classical and Latin American repertoire with depth, passion, and charisma.
Benitez has performed in some of the world’s most prestigious concert halls, including the Philharmonie Berlin, Davies Symphony Hall (San Francisco), Alice Tully Hall (New York), the National Center for the Performing Arts (Beijing), and Walt Disney Concert Hall (Los Angeles), among others. He has collaborated with world-class artists, from legendary conductors Claudio Abbado and Gustavo Dudamel to Academy Award-winning musician and producer Gustavo Santaolalla.
Maestro José Antonio Abreu, founder of El Sistema, hailed him as “one of the most important and brilliant leaders of the musical movement in Venezuela and throughout the continent.
Renowned pianist and mentor Philippe Entremont described him as “an outstanding musician and performer, driven by commitment, talent, imagination, passion, and intelligence.”
Benitez’s third album and first under the Steinway & Sons label, Latin American Classics, won the Latin Grammy Award for Best Classical Album in 2021. His following Steinway & Sons album, Afro-Cuban Dances (2023), earned him a second Latin Grammy nomination for Best Classical Album.
An avid chamber musician, Benitez’s current projects include A Fuego Lento, a two-piano celebration of Latin American music with pianist Vanessa Perez, featuring arrangements by composer Stephen Buck, as well as a duo with Argentinian cellist Juan Sebastián Delgado dedicated to promoting original Latin American music for piano and cello.
With a deep commitment to exposing audiences to the exuberance and historical importance of Latin American piano music, Benitez continues to share its rich legacy through an active international schedule of performances, recordings, and collaborations—both as a soloist and chamber musician.
This second volume of Latin American Classics further cements his role as a leading interpreter and advocate of this vibrant repertoire.
Kristhyan Benitez is a STEINWAY ARTIST.