Gene Bertoncini, a 1959 University of Notre Dame School of Architecture graduate, is one of the pre-eminent jazz guitarists active today. His fluid technique and lyricism have won him international praise and accolades. An eloquent and versatile improviser, Mr. Bertoncinihas been heard with an extraordinary range of jazz greats, including performances and recordings with Benny Goodman, Buddy Rich, Wayne Shorter, Hubert Laws, Paul Desmond among others, as well as such distinguished singers as Tony Bennett, Lena Horne, Nancy Wilson, Vic Damone, and Eydie Gorme.

The Washington Post proclaimed his solo appearance in New York City the best jazz concert of the year 1999. Mr Bertoncini's acclaim is hardly confined to this country. His CD, "Someone to Light Up My Life" won international raves. Brazilian critic's and listener's polls also named him the best acoustic jazz guitarist. Mr. Bertoncini recently released a striking new solo CD, "Quiet Now" on the heels of his highly successful "Acoustic Romance," which reached the top ten of the jazz playlists. Jazziz magazine's March 2004 issue ranked it Number 1 in their list of the top 20 acoustic guitar CDs.

A prolific and popular studio musician, Mr. Bertoncini honed his professional chops as a member of the Tonight Show band during Johnny Carson's tenure, and he has worked with composers and has performed with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.

In addition to an active performing and recording schedule, Mr. Bertoncini teaches at the Eastman School of Music and William Patterson University. According to the New Yorker magazine, "Bertoncini is an affecting, highly original guitarist how moves easily back and forth between classical and jazz guitar."