If a flute could talk and sing, it would certainly be in the voice of Nestor Torres, for he speaks through his instrument. Equally fluent in Jazz, Classical and Latin idioms, his fluid versatility sets him apart. Nestor’s total command of his instrument allows him a freedom of expression that is at once captivating and liberating, powerful and genuine.

Born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, Nestor Torres has played music all his life. He moved to NYC with his family in his teenage years and went on to study at Mannes School of Music and later at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. At that time he was also able to learn to improvise in a style of Cuban Dance music called ‘Charanga’, which helped to shape and develop Nestor’s melodic and danceable sound. In 1981, Nestor moved to Miami, where he continued to develop his unique sound – and a strong following. Since then he has – and continues to – tour all over the world. He has also performed and recorded with the likes of Ricky Martin, Tito Puente, Herbie Hancock, Gloria Estefan, and many more.

Nestor Torres has recorded 14 Cds to date. His 5th & 7th records, Treasure of the Heart and My Latin Soul, were nominated for a Latin Grammy, and his production This Side Of Paradise won the Latin Grammy award in the Pop instrumental category on September 11, 2001.

• Collaborations: with James Moody, Jon Faddis, Chris Botti, Larry Coryell, Hubert Laws, Arturo Sandoval, Michel Camilo, Paquito D’ Rivera, Danilo Perez, David Sanchez, Pablo Zigler, Makoto Ozone, Patrice Rushen, Bob James, George Duke, Wallace Roney, Peter Nero and Clare Fisher, among many, many others.

• Grammys: His Latin-jazz composition “ Luna Latina” (from Treasures of the Heart) was nominated in 2000 for a Latin Grammy as well as his CD ‘My Latin Soul’ in 2002. In 2001, he won a Latin Grammy for his CD ‘This Side of Paradise’.

Nestor Torres’s Performance

In Nestor’s words..” My mission and quest is to live and work for Peace…for the sake of World Peace”.

If a flute could talk and sing, it would certainly be in the voice of Nestor Torres, for he speaks through his instrument. Nestor, admired for his precision, his sophisticated yet disciplined style and his ability to play compositions full with emotions seemed as if he was singing them. To say the few moments of the beautiful 20^th evening were a magical experience simply does not convey the energy that permeated through the auditorium.

The audience heartily agreed with a resounding standing ovation.

Students who earlier shared their poems were called on stage to join Nestor Torres for a commemorative photo shoot.