Dominic Farinacci
The Power of Music and Storytelling
In this soulful episode of Classic & Curious, Anne sits down with internationally acclaimed jazz trumpeter, composer, and storyteller Dominick Farinacci for a conversation about music, humanity, and the stories that connect us.
From growing up in Cleveland to becoming part of Juilliard’s inaugural jazz studies program — under the influence and mentorship of jazz legend Wynton Marsalis and the community of Jazz at Lincoln Center — Dominick shares the experiences that shaped both his artistry and his understanding of music as a universal language.
Together, Anne and Dominick explore how music can transport us, create connection, and bring people together across cultures and generations. Dominick reflects on his global experiences, the emotional power of jazz, and how music became a bridge between people and shared human experience.
Known for his TED Talk at the Kennedy Center on music, wellbeing, and mental health, Dominick also shares the personal experiences that transformed his work, including his mother’s cancer journey and the creation of Modern Warrior Productions, an immersive storytelling platform centered around resilience, healing, and the power of storytelling through music.
At its heart, this episode is about the beauty of storytelling — the kind that makes us slow down, lean in, and linger a little longer at the table. Because whether through music, memory, or shared experience, these are the conversations that remind us what it means to live a full and beautiful life.
