Elio Villafranca: Jazz Musician in New York

About Elio Villafranca

Elio Villafranca is a Cuban pianist and composer whose work sits between Afro‑Cuban rhythm, jazz harmony, and classical training from Havana’s Instituto Superior de Arte. In New York City, he has appeared at Dizzy’s Club and on Jazz at Lincoln Center stages, including projects with Chick Corea and Wycliffe Gordon. His writing treats rhythm as architecture, balancing through‑composed passages with open bandstand exchange. He also teaches jazz ensemble in conservatory settings, bringing that rigor to his performances.