The Spanish Harlem Orchestra

Now in its tenth year, the Grammy Award-winning Spanish Harlem Orchestra (SHO) is one of the nation’s most formidable and authentic Latin jazz combos. The 13-piece collective and its big-band sound were influenced by the rich musical history and enduring traditions of New York City’s Spanish Harlem community.

SHO’s fourth album, Viva La Tradición, won a 2011 Grammy Award for Best Latin Tropical Album. The orchestra’s 2005 release, Across 110^th Street, won a Grammy for Best Salsa/Merengue Album.

Oscar Hernandez, the orchestra’s founder, pianist, bandleader and producer, began his career in the 1970s as an arranger and musical director for artists including Tito Puente, Ray Barretto and Celia Cruz.