Oriente Lopez was born and raised in Havana, Cuba, where he started learning violin, flute and piano at an early age. In the mid 70’s, as a teenager, he began his musical career, collaborating as composer, arranger, flutist and pianist with several established bands and artists. He graduated from “National School of Arts” in Havana. In 1993 Oriente born again in New York City, where he earned a Master Degree in Fine Arts from NYU, as he continued working as pianist, flutist, musical director and producer.

Oriente has been performing internationally for more than 30 years. He have distinguished himself as a composer, and have been especially prolific as arranger. Some of his performances and works have been awarded, including 3 Grammy’s 2000, 2004 and 2014.  His compositions and arrangements continue to be recorded and performed by numerous performers throughout the world. His credits as composer and arranger include Score for Films and TV, Musical Theatre, Classical Music, Latin Popular Music, and Latin Jazz. 

Collaborations include works with Afrocuba, Chico Buarque, Celia Cruz, Paquito D’Rivera, Paul Simon, Javier Ruibal, Charlie Haden, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Regina Carter, Chucho Valdes, Patato, Pacho Alonso,  Ralph Irizarry and Timbalaye, Mauricio Zottarelli, Pablo Milanes, Fito Paez, Emmanuel, Yekina Pavon, Roy Brown, Juana Bacallao and Silvio Rodriguez among others.