Claudia Acuña: Ave de Luz record release

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Claudia Acuña is a Latin GRAMMY-nominated bandleader, vocalist, and composer and a 2023 NPR Tiny Desk Concert artist. 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 transformed by collaborations with a wave of brilliant Latin American musicians. Acuña is celebrated for her vision of blending her South American folk music with Jazz and Global Music.

Whether putting her stamp on popular Latin American ballads, reimagining jazz standards from a South American perspective, or infusing Afro-Caribbean material with a wide rhythmic sensibility, Acuña stands out as a passionate and emotionally incisive singer with a gleaming, burnished bronze tone.

Acuña is known for collaborations with Jazz masters Herbie Hancock, Arturo O’Farrill, Guillermo Klein, Branford Marsalis, George Benson, Kenny Barron, Louie Vega, Tom Harrell, Dee Dee Bridgewater, San Carlo Di Napoli Symphony Orchestra, and more.

Her eight albums as a bandleader have 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. In July 2026 Acuña releases Ave de Luz (Delfin Records), a love letter to her Chilean roots and a bold declaration of identity.

Acuña was nominated for Person of the Year, recognized for Music and Humanitarian contributions in Chile. She was also honored to receive the Keys to the City of her hometown in Concepción, Chile. In 2024, Acuña received the Award of Recognition from the Chilean Chamber of Commerce in New York City for her career in Music.

Her recent appearances include International Jazz Day with the Herbie Hancock Institute, Newport Jazz Festival, and a program at Carnegie Hall celebrating Acuña’s career and the Latin American songbook.

Claudia Acuña – Vocals/Hand Percussion
Manu Koch – Piano/Keys
Carlos Henderson – Bass Guitar
Yayo Serka – Drums