Bio
Claudia Acuña is a Latin Grammy Nominee, NPR Tiny Desk Concert artist 2023, born in Santiago, Chile and raised in Concepción, Acuña established herself on the Chilean jazz scene in her early 20s. Arriving in New York City in 1995, Acuña quickly gained recognition as a leading voice in the New York Jazz scene ,rapidly being transformed by a wave of brilliant Latin American musicians. Acuña is celebrated for her vision of blending her South American folk music to Jazz and World Music. Known for collaborations with Jazz masters Harry Whitaker, Arturo O'Farrill, Guillermo Klein, Branford Marsalis, George Benson, Kenny Barron, Louie Vega, and Tom Harrell,Herbie Hancok, Dee Dee Bridgewater, San Carlo Di Napoli Symphony Orchestra and more.
Her five albums as a bandleader established Acuña as a creative force, from her debut album “ Wind from the South “ on Verve Records, making her the first Latin American vocalist signed by a major label. Other albums include Rhythm of Life (Verve), Luna (MaxJazz), In These Shoes (Zoho Music) and En Este Momento (Marsalis Music), all which received critical acclaim. In 2019 “Turning Pages “ she received a Latin Grammy nomination for Best Jazz Album. Acuña is nominated for Person of the Year, recognition for Music and Humanitarian contributions in Chile. She is honored with receiving the Keys to the City of her hometown in Concepción, Chile. This year, the 2024 Award of Recognition with the Chilean Chamber of Commerce in New York City for her career in Music. Her recent works include International Jazz Day with the Herbie Hancock Institute, Newport Jazz Festival, and Carnegie Hall cultural music program, Musical Explorers, to name a few. Learn more by visiting