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Ivanna Cuesta

Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Ivanna is a versatile drummer and composer with a passion for blending diverse musical traditions. She holds degrees from the Dominican Republic Music Conservatory and Berklee College of Music, where she had the privilege of studying with renowned musicians such as Neal Smith, Terri Lyne Carrington, Francisco Mela, Tia Fuller, and others.

A dynamic performer, Ivanna has graced the stages of major international festivals, including the Dominican Republic Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, Soberano Awards (Dominican Republic), Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival at the Kennedy Center, Monheim Triennale Festival, and the Santo Domingo Jazz Festival, among many others. She is also an endorsed artist with Paiste Cymbals and Vater Drumsticks.

In 2019, Ivanna won first place in the 18-39 age category of the prestigious Hit Like a Girl contest, an achievement that led to a standout performance at PASIC 2019 in Indianapolis. As an evolving artist, Ivanna has collaborated with some of the most influential figures in jazz and beyond, including Esperanza Spalding, Aaron Parks, Kandace Springs, Concha Buika, Kris Davis, Aaron Goldberg, Leo Blanco, Jacques Schwarz-Bart, Nando Michelin Quartet, Tia Fuller, Alisa Amador (Tiny Desk Contest Winner), Sócrates García Latin Jazz Orchestra, Jane Bunnett and Maqueque, Pepe Rivero, and others.

Beyond her performance career, Ivanna is a dedicated educator, passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience as a drummer and professional musician. She has been invited to give masterclasses at prestigious institutions such as the University of Arkansas, Puerto Rico Conservatory, and the Dominican Republic Music Conservatory.

In 2022, Ivanna was selected to participate in the Next Jazz Legacy program, led by Terri Lyne Carrington. During this time, she had the unique opportunity to work closely with mentors Wayne Shorter and Esperanza Spalding.

Ivanna's debut album as a bandleader, A Letter to the Earth, was released under the Orenda Records label. The album features Grammy Award-winning pianist Kris Davis, saxophonist Ben Solomon, bassist Max Ridley, and vocalist Paulina Camou. In recognition of her exceptional work, A Letter to the Earth received the Bronze Award at the Global Music Awards in 2024.

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