News & Events

World Champion of the Digital Accordion to Play with UNC Asheville Jazz Ensembles

February 15, 2012

Cory Pesaturo, who has won accordion competitions all over the world and is a pioneer of jazz accordion, will perform with UNC Asheville student jazz ensembles at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, in Lipinsky Auditorium.

“If anyone can make the accordion hip – and that’s a tall order – it just might be Cory Pesaturo,” said the Boston Globe. “Pesaturo makes the instrument sound as natural and native to jazz as the saxophone or trumpet.” He was the first musician to major and graduate in accordion at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.

After perfoming at a state dinner at the age of 12, Pesaturo became a favorite of the Clintons and was invited to play at the White House three more times. He will share the stage Sunday with aspiring UNC Asheville student musicians – the UNC Asheville Big Band, under direction of William Bares, and the Studio 18 vocal ensemble, directed by Melodie Galloway.

Tickets are $5 at the door; students free with student ID. For more information, please contact the Music Department at 828.251.6432.