Some rhythms never go out of style, and some songs carry the history and identity of an entire culture. This is the spirit of the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, one of the most prestigious ensembles in salsa and Latin jazz, which arrives in Los Angeles this December to add some flavor to the holiday season with its show, *Salsa Navidad*.
On December 12, the stage at The Soraya in Northridge will host this extraordinary New York-based orchestra, featuring a special guest appearance by the virtuoso Cuban trumpeter Arturo Sandoval. It promises to be an evening packed with talent, energy, and authentic Latin flair.
Founded in New York in 2000 by pianist, composer, and arranger Oscar Hernández, the Spanish Harlem Orchestra was created with a mission: to preserve and showcase the essence of classic salsa, the kind that once conquered dance halls and defined a golden age of Latin music. Their sound blends the power of the brass section, the elegance of the piano, the richness of the percussion, and vocals that keep the spirit of the great orchestras alive.
Over the course of more than two decades, the group has built a solid international reputation, bolstered by three Grammy Awards and six nominations. Their performances at venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Sydney Opera House attest to the caliber of an orchestra that has successfully brought the salsa tradition to the world’s most prominent stages.
Under the direction of Hernández, who has collaborated with salsa icons like Rubén Blades and Celia Cruz, the group has demonstrated that salsa is more than just dance music; it is culture, history, and a legacy that deserves to be passed on to new generations.
With *Salsa Navidad*, that tradition takes on a special, enchanting quality. The show combines the unmistakable, hard-hitting New York style salsa *salsa dura*, with Puerto Rican Christmas rhythms such as *plena*, *bomba*, and *aguinaldo*, alongside salsa infused versions of classic holiday songs. The evening will also feature renowned trumpeter Arturo Sandoval as a special guest, promising some truly extraordinary musical moments.
This December, you have a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a world-class orchestra, revisit the iconic sounds of salsa, and celebrate our cultural roots through music. Whether you grew up listening to the great legends of the genre or are looking to discover its magic for the first time, the Spanish Harlem Orchestra has everything you need to get on your feet and enjoy the night.
Spanish Harlem Orchestra: Salsa Navidad
🏛️ The Soraya: Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts
📅 Saturday, December 12, 2026
⏰ 8:00 p.m.
📍 18111 Nordhoff St, Northridge, CA 91330
🎫 For tickets, click here: TheSoraya.org
📞 Tel. 818 677 3000
An unmissable night of *rumba* and celebration! Get your tickets and prepare to dance to the rhythm of salsa, infused with plenty of Latin flair.
