Run time: 45 minutes

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Our favorite Italian pianist, Claudio Cojaniz, performed his awe-inspiring world premiere Balkan Blues Music at City of Asylum in November 2019. Enjoy highlights Claudio's awe-inspiring and finger snapping performance, and a new interview + musical hello recorded live in Southern Italy.

Claudio created Balkan Blues Music for City of Asylum. Through his music Claudio led audiences on a journey of memory—exploring the music fondly linked to his childhood, music from his grandfather’s native Serbia. We heard Balkan dances, prayers and sacred songs, lullabies, and more, all with a jazzy twist unique to Claudio’s style.

The program concludes with a new interview with Claudio, quarantined at home in Southern Italy. Claudio discusses how he’s using this dark time to find new wells of creativity and inspiration. He concludes with a beautiful musical hello to his friends in Pittsburgh.

Claudio is one of the world's foremost interpreters of Thelonious Monk. A true character, Claudio's performances are notable for his impish humor and the way he incorporates melody into even the most abstract improvisations. Since first performing at City of Asylum in September 2018, Claudio has become a champion of our mission and a true friend to our community.

Claudio Cojaniz is an internationally renowned pianist and has worked extensively as a composer. He writes music for film and for TV. Since 1996 he has been a pianist in the New DK Blues Band quartet and founded the N.I.O.N orchestra. He won the Irino Prize in Japan in 1990, 1st prize composition with Spheres for the great Tokyo national symphony orchestra. His CDs include War Orphans (2005)—a dedication to the music of Ornette Coleman; Caligula Reds (2010); The Heart of the Universe in Trio; Shadows of Colors—compositions in 9 parts for Organ; Songs for Africa—on behalf of the association Time For Africa; Molineddu with Coj & SecondTime—dedicated to Sardinia; and Blue Question in duet with bass player Franco Feruglio.

The Show Must Go On(line) is made possible thanks to generous support from the Benter Foundation, The Heinz Endowments, the Juliet Lea Hillman Simonds Foundation, the Opportunity Fund, The Pittsburgh Foundation, and an Anonymous Foundation.

Claudio Cojaniz, Balkan Blues Music Presented by City of Asylum