Paquito D’Rivera to Headline Andorra Jazz Festival Replacing Ailing Chucho Valdés

Paquito D’Rivera will headline the 42nd Escaldes-Engordany International Jazz Festival on 4 July, joined by Anat Cohen and her Quartetinho band, after Chucho Valdés withdrew in March due to health issues requiring absolute rest and cancellation of all commitments.

The substitution was confirmed Wednesday via an edict in the *Butlletí Oficial del Principat d’Andorra* (BOPA). The Project Music Company SL, the original contractor for Valdés, proposed the new lineup, which the Escaldes-Engordany commune approved to uphold artistic quality. The €40,000 contract value stays the same.

D’Rivera, a previous guest at the festival in 1986 alongside Pat Metheny, shifts from supporting Valdés and the Royal Quartet to the starring role. He arrives with his regular US touring band and chose Cohen, an Israeli clarinettist and saxophonist he praises as “one of the best clarinet interpreters in history.” Their past collaborations make this a natural pairing.

Cohen performs with Quartetinho—Vitor Gonçalvez on piano, Tal Mashiach on double bass, and James Shipp on vibraphone—promising a blend of contemporary jazz and Brazilian influences, from Egberto Gismonti covers to Dvořák classics.

Culture councillor Valentí Closa told *Altaveu* that Valdés is already booked for 2027, assuming no further problems. The change replaces the planned “Cuba & Beyond” set with Cohen’s Andorran debut.

The festival lineup is now complete: Nils Landgren on 2 July, Joshua Redman on 3 July, a Keith Jarrett film screening hosted by D’Rivera on 5 July at Illa Carlemany, Lizz Wright on 5 July, Maria Schneider Orchestra on 8 July, and Porgy and Bess with Jonaina Salvadó, Maria Soler, and ONCA closing on 9 July at Prat del Roure.