News & Events

Esperanza Spalding Jazz Ensemble to Perform at UNC Asheville

February 2, 2010

March 2 concert canceled due to weather. Tickets will be refunded. Information will be posted about the refund on the Cultural & Special Events Web site as soon as information is available.

Child prodigy turned professional musician Esperanza Spalding will perform with her jazz ensemble at 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 2, at UNC Asheville’s Lipinsky Auditorium. Spalding, 25, is a composer, bassist, multi-lingual vocalist who has been called “the future of jazz and instrumental music.” Hailed as a performer with “breezy, bubbly vocals,” by The Washington Post, Spalding creates a jazz experience that is not to be missed.

Spalding began her musical career at the age of five, when she was accepted into the Chamber Music Society of Oregon as a self-taught violinist. She played with the group for 10 years, during which time she was elevated to the group’s concertmaster position. At age 16 she left high school and was accepted into the music program at Portland State University, where she studied bass. Spalding later transferred to Berklee College of Music, where after only three years of study she earned a degree and a position as an instructor. At 20 years old, she was the youngest faculty member in the history of the college.

Spalding’s performing career has given her the opportunity to work with other notable artists and play her music around the world. Spalding has performed with various talented musicians, including pianist Michel Camilo, vibraphonist David Samuels, bassist Stanley Clarke, guitarist Pat Methany, singer Patti Austin and saxophonists Donald Harrison and Joe Lovano. In 2009 Spalding performed at the Nobel Peace Prize Award Ceremony in Oslo, Norway. She currently has two solo albums, “Esperanza” and “Junjo,” and is featured on seven other collaborative albums.

Tickets are on sale now. General admission tickets to the concert are $22 or $6 for area students. To purchase tickets online, visit www.uncatickets.com. To purchase tickets stop by UNC Asheville's Highsmith University Union Box Office or call 828/232-5000.

For more information on UNC Asheville's Cultural & Special Events season or to purchase group tickets, call 828/251-6991 or visit www.unca.edu/culturalarts/.