The birth of an unlikely duo...
Artistic duos are usually formed through chance encounters on stage, during performances, or via agents. This one began with a completely improbable meeting... as table neighbours in a restaurant in Toulouse !
This was followed by a first musical exchange around the Despres family’s piano, when Constant was only fourteen. A certain complicity already seemed to emerge, even though they did not speak the same language. Shortly afterwards, Rolando invited Constant to perform on the stage of L’Astrada – Marciac, and from this very first concert, the audience fell under the spell of this highly original duo.
Indeed, two different generations, cultural backgrounds, and musical universes came together. Each is driven by the desire to enrich their playing through an understanding of the other’s. A fusion of genres, personalities, and styles, and the joy of playing together that shines through at each of their concerts, enchants audiences. Some thirty concerts later, and given the enthusiasm of the public, the recording of this first album had become an obvious next step.
Rolando Luna
After ten years with the Buena Vista Social Club and collaborations with major figures such as Omara Portuondo, Beatriz Márquez, Ibrahim Maalouf, and Chucho Valdés, Rolando now focuses on his solo career with great success, appealing to both classical music and jazz audiences. He has performed on major international stages (Jazz in Marciac, San Francisco Jazz Festival, Jazz à Vienne, Piano aux Jacobins) and in prestigious venues such as the Opéra de Bordeaux and the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg. Moving between classical music, jazz, and his Cuban roots, he shines as a soloist, with symphony orchestras, and is also a co-founder of the collective El Comité.
Rolando & Constant
A meeting of two personalities, two cultures, and two generations, this explosive duo reimagines works from Bach to Chick Corea, fusing genres with unrestrained virtuosity and creativity ! The duo’s first album was released in 2026 on the L’Esprit du Piano label.
