Classicism Reimagined Through Latin America: Horsley Continues to Redefine Musical Boundaries

The Los Angeles-based pianist, composer, and arranger, Joaquín Horsley, has secured a prestigious nomination for the Latin Grammy Awards. He was recognized in the Best Arranger category for his innovative piece, "Cuban Concerto of Bach for Piano and Tres," featured on his groundbreaking album, Afro Bach, which was released on February 7, 2025.

This recognition was celebrated during the 26th Annual Latin Grammy Awards ceremony, held on November 13, 2025. The event took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, marking the fifteenth time the city has served as the central hub for the Latin American music industry's biggest night.

Horsley's Musical Dialect: Bach, Rumba, and an Alternative Universe

Joaquín Horsley has garnered significant acclaim for his distinctive artistic voice, which seamlessly fuses academic European classical traditions with vibrant Latin American rhythms. His journey into this unique fusion began in 2016, leading to one of his most celebrated arrangements.

That seminal work was "Beethoven in Havana," a spirited interpretation of Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony recast in the style of Cuban rumba. This arrangement quickly gained global traction, accumulating over 2 million views on YouTube and establishing Horsley as a master of cross-cultural musical dialogue.

His latest album, Afro Bach, continues this trajectory of blending genres. The project specifically unites the complex structures of Johann Sebastian Bach’s music with the infectious rhythms of Africa and the Caribbean. Horsley describes this creative endeavor as establishing:

"an alternative universe, where Beethoven, Chopin, and Mozart would be inspired by Havana, not Vienna."

The album showcases several experimental interpretations of baroque classicism, demonstrating the depth of this fusion. Tracks include:

• "African Partita (Afro Bach Overture)"

Significantly, Afro Bach represents the third installment in the ongoing “Via Havana” trilogy, which Horsley initiated in 2019, solidifying his commitment to exploring the intersection of these musical worlds.

Beyond Arrangement: Composing for Animation

Horsley’s creative output is not confined solely to the academic or classical fusion stage. His versatility extends into the realm of film and media composition.

His work on the Disney film, Big City Greens the Movie: Spacecation, earned him an Annie Award nomination for Best Music for TV/Media Production.

This achievement underscores his remarkable adaptability: Horsley demonstrates equal proficiency whether he is engaged in classical experimentation, crafting Latin American fusion, or scoring contemporary animation.

The 2025 Latin Grammy Context

The 2025 Latin Grammy Awards ceremony highlighted the immense diversity and scope of Latin American music across the globe.

The list of nominees reflected a strong year for established and emerging artists alike:

• Bad Bunny led the field with 12 nominations.

Special honors were also bestowed during the event:

• Rafael was named the Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year.

The ceremony once again affirmed the Latin Grammys’ status as a crucial global platform where musical tradition meets cutting-edge innovation. Horsley’s unique contribution—where Bach meets Havana and tradition finds a new voice—perfectly embodies the spirit of this event.