Art Meets Jazz: Lenny Ranallo Returns Home for a Special Performance!

Lenny Ranallo Returns Home for a Special Art Meets Jazz Performance!

Drawing inspiration from Bach to Coltrane and beyond, internationally acclaimed American guitarist Leonard “Lenny” Ranallo, a Western New York native, returns for a special performance in the Art Meets Jazz Series. Known for his ability to blur the lines between composer, performer, and improviser, Ranallo brings a dynamic energy to both classical and jazz settings, seamlessly transitioning from the concert hall to the jazz club.

Ranallo’s fluency in both classical and electric guitar has led to performances across the United States and Europe, with festival appearances in Italy, Scotland, and the U.S. He has received top honors in competitions such as the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra’s Young Musicians Competition, the Philadelphia Classical Guitar Society Competition, and the James Stroud Competition. In 2012, he made his orchestral debut as a concerto soloist with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra—a milestone in his illustrious career.

As a composer, Ranallo pushes the boundaries of the guitar’s expressive potential, collaborating with composers from the U.S. and U.K. to expand the instrument’s repertoire in both classical and electric styles. He holds a Master’s Degree from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and a Bachelor of Music from Oberlin Conservatory, and he currently serves on the faculty at Peabody Conservatory Preparatory and Swarthmore College while maintaining a private teaching studio in Philadelphia.

For this special performance, Ranallo joins forces with Yolanda Tapia, a renowned Mexican-born pianist, to present the Ranallo-Tapia Duo—a mesmerizing fusion of classical, jazz, samba, Afro-Cuban, and world music styles. Their performances create a captivating dialogue between guitar and piano, weaving together rich harmonic textures and vibrant colors that represent the diverse musical landscapes of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Tapia, an award-winning pianist, has performed across Switzerland, Italy, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. Her accolades include prizes in international piano, concerto, and chamber music competitions across Mexico, the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada. She has served as a collaborative pianist at prestigious institutions, including the University of Western Ontario and the University of Toronto, and has delivered masterclasses at the University of Veracruz, FIM Loja in Ecuador, and Cambrian College in Ontario.

Her expertise has also led her to co-found the Obsidiana Duo, earning recognition from the Puerto Rico Centre for Collaborative Piano, and to complete a performance residency with Lincoln Center Stage’s piano quartet on Holland America Line. Tapia holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Western Ontario, where she was mentored by Dr. John Hess and Mariana Chibotar.

Presented as part of the Art Meets Jazz Series, this performance promises a truly unique and genre-defying musical experience. Join us in celebrating the homecoming of WNY’s own Lenny Ranallo and immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening of classical, jazz, and world music fusion.

Reserve your seats now and experience the artistry of the Ranallo-Tapia Duo!

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Beebe's At The Gallery, 403 Main Street, Buffalo, United States