Dr. Gabriel Alegria is one of the most influential figures of the jazz music scene in Peru. He combines his personal approach to American jazz with a passionate interest and scholarly study of the music of black coastal Peru. He has contributed to a uniquely Afro-Peruvian jazz music concept by incorporating and exploring the common African roots found in both styles. The results can be seen and heard on his award-winning website www.gabrielalegria.com. In his music, the rich legacy of the black music of coastal Peru can be heard in the context of contemporary jazz expression, analogous to the Brazilian and Cuban musical contributions that changed jazz music in the 20th century.

Gabriel’s most recent and varied performance credits as a trumpet player and composer span the globe and include concert appearances and/or recordings with Maria Schneider, Placido Domingo, Ingrid Jensen, Tierney Sutton, Natalie Cole, The Lima Philharmonic, The Peruvian National Symphony, Bill Watrous, John Thomas, Russ Ferrante, and Alex Acuna.

In 2000, Gabriel founded Jazz Peru International, Peru’s premier jazz arts and cultural organization. Through JPI, countless artists, students and music fans have toured the world. Gabriel’s goal is to spread the message of peace, love and joy found in Afro-Peruvian music.

Gabriel holds a D.M.A. from the University of Southern California, a master’s degree from City University of New York and a bachelor’s degree from Kenyon College.