Ricardo Pons is one of Puerto Rico’s most accomplished and versatile musicians. A saxophonist, composer, educator, and musical director, he has dedicated his career to blending jazz with the rich musical traditions of Puerto Rico while helping preserve and evolve the island’s cultural heritage.
A Latin Grammy-nominated producer, Ricardo’s work spans from traditional Puerto Rican music to contemporary jazz fusion. His productions include the acclaimed documentary soundtrack “Sonó, Sonó”, recognized with a Gold Record and an Emmy nomination, as well as the Latin Grammy-nominated album “Opus IV” by Viento de Agua.
Throughout his distinguished career, Ricardo has performed and collaborated with world-renowned artists including Chick Corea, Willie Colón, Celia Cruz, Jimmy Heath, Ron Carter, the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, Los Pleneros de la 21, and many others. His performances have taken him to prestigious festivals such as the Montreal Jazz Festival, San Francisco Jazz Festival, San José Jazz Festival, Chicago Jazz Festival, and the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival in New York.
A graduate of the City College of New York with dual bachelor’s degrees in Classical Music and Jazz, Ricardo also holds a master’s degree in Jazz Performance and Composition from the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College.
In addition to his international performing career, Ricardo serves as a professor in the Popular Music Program at Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, where he continues to inspire the next generation of musicians.
For Jazz en el Bosque, Ricardo Pons brings an evening of exceptional musicianship, blending timeless jazz standards with original artistry in the intimate natural setting of Jardín al Bosque.
