José María Vitier, born on January 7, 1954, in Havana, Cuba, is a prominent Cuban composer and pianist known for his contributions to classical music, film scores, and sacred music. He is the son of poets Cintio Vitier and Fina García Marruz, and he belongs to a distinguished family of Cuban intellectuals and artists. Vitier studied piano under Cecilia Echevarría, Margot Rojas, and César López at the Roldán Conservatory and later pursued composition studies with José Loyola at the Instituto Superior de Arte in Havana.

Vitier's career began in 1973, and he has since become renowned for his compositions for piano, symphonic and chamber orchestras, and his work in film and television. His music often blends classical elements with Cuban folk styles. Among his most notable works are the scores for the Cuban film "Fresa y Chocolate" and his "Cuban Mass." He has received numerous accolades, including the Golden Osella at the Venice International Film Festival for "Un señor muy viejo con unas alas enormes" in 1988.

In addition to his film work, Vitier has been active as a jazz pianist, performing in various countries, including Canada, France, Mexico, Spain, and the USA. He was a member of the fusion ensemble Síntesis and led his own group from 1984 to 1991. Vitier has also contributed significantly to Cuban music education, teaching piano and chamber music at the Escuela Nacional de Arte in Havana.

Throughout his career, Vitier has been honored with several prestigious awards, such as the National Prize for Arts and Letters, the Order of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, and the Order of Playa Girón. He continues to influence the musical landscape with his diverse compositions and performances.