Concierto Íntimo

Pianist Antonio Artese brings his West Coast Trio for an intimate evening exploring the expressive possibilities of the acoustic piano trio.

Rhythmic invention. Boundless creativity. A beautiful event you will not want to miss! The evening begins with a brief wine and cheese reception.

The program features original compositions—including the evocative Bartokiana Suite—alongside imaginative interpretations of classical works. Artese is joined by bassist Emiliano Lasansky, whose warm sound and melodic clarity bring narrative depth to the ensemble, and Santa Barbara–based drummer Matt Perko.

Balancing composition and improvisation, the trio moves fluidly between chamber-like textures and open jazz interplay, honoring tradition while venturing toward new musical horizons.

Antonio Artese is an Italian pianist, composer, and educator whose music bridges jazz and classical traditions through a refined balance of composition and improvisation. His West Coast Trio explores this fusion in works such as Bartokiana, a suite inspired by Béla Bartók’s rhythmic and harmonic language. His trio album Two Worlds and forthcoming solo recording My Blond Girl reflect his lyrical touch, harmonic sophistication, and Mediterranean sensibility. Based in California and Siena, Italy, Artese performs internationally and brings a distinctly contemporary voice to jazz.

Emiliano Lasansky is a bassist, composer, and graduate of the Eastman School of Music whose warm, narrative-driven sound reflects a family legacy of bold and meticulous artistry. His debut album, The Optimist, and the co-led recording Kin showcase his melodic clarity and creative range. His honors include the ASCAP Foundation Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composers Award, the David Baker Prize, and selection to the Herbie Hancock Institute. Originally from Iowa City and now based in Los Angeles, Lasansky performs and tours nationally.

Matt Perko is a Santa Barbara–based jazz drummer, composer, and visual artist with more than three decades of professional experience performing throughout the United States and Europe. A prolific composer with more than 100 original works, he anchors the Antonio Artese West Coast Trio and leads his own quartet and sextet. He also performs regularly with regional artists, including guitarist Jamie Rosenn and bassist Rob Moreno.