On Thursday, May 8, music lovers, students, and supporters gathered at Napa Methodist Church for From Craft to Creation—a special pop-up masterclass that beautifully bridged classical tradition and jazz innovation. Hosted by 2025 Amplifi Emerging Artist Jennie Pan and internationally acclaimed Latin jazz pianist Jorge Luis Pacheco, the evening offered a rare, intimate glimpse into the creative process behind musical mastery.
Jennie Pan, a rising pianist and founder of United Melodies, welcomed the audience with warmth and poise, sharing her personal journey from Napa to the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and, soon, to Harvard. Her performance of a classical piece highlighted the technical excellence and expressive depth she has honed throughout her young career.
Jorge Luis Pacheco, known worldwide as a Cuban jazz virtuoso, brought the room to life with his signature “flying hands” and deep-rooted improvisational brilliance. His solo set wove together Cuban jazz, Afro-Cuban rhythms, and classical influences, setting the stage for a powerful dialogue between genres.
The heart of the evening came during a collaborative exploration of Franz Liszt’s Liebestraum. Jennie and Jorge engaged in a dynamic exchange—first dissecting the classical structure of the piece, then reimagining it through a jazz lens. Their live improvisation was nothing short of electrifying, captivating the audience and proving how cross-genre collaboration can give timeless works new voice and vitality.
An engaging Q&A closed the evening, where attendees asked thoughtful questions about creative discipline, the balance of structure and freedom in music, and how young artists can find their own unique voice.
From Craft to Creation was more than a masterclass—it was a celebration of curiosity, creativity, and the power of music to connect worlds. Amplifi Napa Valley is proud to have supported this event through its Emerging Artist Grant and is grateful to our transportation partner Audi Napa Valley for helping bring this moment to life.
If you missed this inspiring evening, stay tuned for more upcoming events from Amplifi Napa Valley—and consider supporting future performances by making a donation here. Your contribution helps us invest in emerging artists and innovative cultural programming across the region.
Stay tuned for more events and artist features at amplifinapavalley.org, and be sure to follow @amplifinapavalley for the latest updates.
