MEDIA CONTACT: Judy Moore at 847-491-4819 or jkm229@northwestern.edu

February 8, 2005

Molinaro Trio to Perform

EVANSTON, Ill. --- Experience a different kind of jazz this winter when the Anthony Molinaro Trio takes the stage at Northwestern University’s Pick-Staiger Concert Hall.

From original compositions by Molinaro as well as music by George Gershwin, John Coltrane and Miles Davis to jazzed up renditions of Beethoven and Mozart pieces, renowned pianist Molinaro, bassist Eric Hochberg and drummer Paul Wertico will create an original jazz experience at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12.

Hailed as one of today’s leading young pianists, Molinaro has captivated audiences throughout the world since winning the 1997 Naumburg International Piano Competition. Molinaro has received other awards including the William C. Byrd International Piano Competition and the American Pianist Association’s 1995 National Piano Fellowship.

A skilled composer and jazz musician, Molinaro uses his background as a traditional concert pianist to create his own renditions of some of the works of the greatest classical composers.

As a respected producer and standout bassist in the Chicago music scene, the multitalented Eric Hochberg brings his experience and expertise to the trio. In Chicago for more than 20 years, Hochberg has performed with Pat Metheny, as well as the Eric Hochberg Orchestra, playing both upright and electric bass.

A professional drummer since the age of 15, Paul Wertico has won several readers’ polls, including DRUM! Magazine’s “Fusion Drummer of the Year” in 1997. A longtime member of the Pat Metheny Group, the Chicago native also has taken home seven Grammy Awards for his many recordings with Metheny.

Pick-Staiger Concert Hall is located at 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston campus.

Tickets for the Feb. 12 concert are $12 for the general public; $8.50 for senior citizens and Northwestern faculty and staff; and $5.50 for students. To order tickets by phone, call the Pick-Staiger Ticket Office at (847) 467-4000.

For more information, call (847) 491-5441 or go to <www.northwestern.edu/pick-staiger>.