About Andrew Russo

Andrew Russo was born in Syracuse, New York on October 22, 1975 and represents the fourth generation of his family to live and work in Central New York.

Andrew grew up in the Syracuse City School District, before finishing up at Fayetteville-Manlius High School. Already as a teenager, he was recognized for his abilities as a musician, appearing as a soloist at age 13 with the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra and performing professional engagements throughout his teenage years. Andrew went on to The Juilliard School, where he received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees, followed by post-graduate study in Germany and France.

While his career started to lead towards high-profile international opportunities, Andrew decided at the age of 25 to reestablish a base in his native Central New York. In 2001, he founded Music Journeys, Inc., a non-profit foundation, which has created youth educational services and community outreach initiatives impacting hundreds of young Central New Yorkers. His work with Central New York youth was recognized with a 2003 Post Award – the Post Standard’s annual tribute to Central New York’s community leaders.

In 2005, Andrew was named to the faculty of Le Moyne College. In his role as Director of Music, he has built relationships on campus and in the community to create a program with tremendous reach. Central New Yorkers of all ages can now regularly attend vibrant events at Le Moyne’s W. Carroll Coyne Performing Arts Center, featuring international touring artists from around the world who come to Le Moyne in order to teach and perform with Central New York’s talented young musicians. Through his tireless efforts as an educational leader, Russo has built bridges between Le Moyne College and countless local and national institutions.

As a community servant, Andrew has used his craft to raise money for organizations such as the Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Young Life, Catholic Charities, Our Lady of Pompei, Father Champlin's Guardian Angel Society, the Fayetteville-Manlius and Syracuse City School Districts, the Syracuse Symphony and Faith Heritage School.

Throughout the last decade, while dedicating much time and effort to leadership in the Central New York arts and education communities, Russo has maintained an international profile as a touring performing and recording artist. Andrew has performed extensively throughout North America, Europe and Asia and released more than a dozen commercial recordings, including a self-produced 2006 release for which he received a Grammy nomination.

In the midst of all this international experience, Andrew has remained rooted in and committed to Central New York. He lives in Fayetteville with his wife Nataiia, and their young children Andrei and Mila.