Harpist

Edmar Castañeda is a Colombian-born harpist, composer, and bandleader widely recognized as one of the most original voices in contemporary jazz. A Latin GRAMMY nominee for Family, he has redefined the role of the harp through a singular technique that seamlessly blends bass lines, harmony, and melody.

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Edmar Castañeda Quartet

McCarter Theatre Center

To be sure, the new all-star trio of Béla Fleck, harpist Edmar Castañeda and drummer Antonio Sánchez features instrumentation that might safely be called uncommon. Unless, of course, you’re already familiar with 19-time Grammy-winner Fleck – the genre-blurring virtuoso who has done more to expand the possibilities of the banjo than any other player in the instrument’s history. From his bluegrass beginnings through his otherworldly Flecktones, his duo with Chick Corea and his reimagining of Rhapsody in Blue, Fleck’s work never fails to surprise. What doesn’t surprise is the impeccable caliber of his collaborators – and this new trio includes two of the most gifted musicians of their generation. 

BEATrio: Béla Fleck, Edmar Castañeda & Antonio Sánchez

Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center

Three musical powerhouses come together to create explosive rhythms that move effortlessly between jazz, Latin, folk, and classical sounds.

Béla Fleck, Edmar Castañeda & Antonio Sánchez - BEATrio

Meridian Arts Centre

With 46 GRAMMY nominations and 19 wins, Béla Fleck continues to redefine what the banjo can do. In his latest project, Béla joins with virtuoso Columbian harpist, Edmar Casteñada, and sensational Mexican jazz drummer, Antonio Sánchez, composer of the iconic film score for the Oscar-winning film, Birdman. Together, they explore the intersections of bluegrass and Latin American styles in ways that audiences are finding irresistible.

Anyela’s Vineyards

Grammy-winning pianist, singer and Brazilian superstar Eliane Elias “sings like an angel, plays like the devil and is renowned for the sumptuous sparkling eloquence she brings to jazz” (Icon Magazine). She seamlessly intertwines straight-ahead jazz and Afro-Latin rhythms like samba and bossa nova. Colombian-born jazz harpist Edmar Castañeda performs original compositions and interpretations of traditional Colombian songs from his album Family — nominated for a Latin Grammy in the Best Latin Jazz Album category.

Eliane Elias / Edmar Castañeda: Family

Symphony Center

Latin American, Afro-Caribbean, and United States culture have been interconnected for centuries by the effects of colonization and the musics transported and transformed overseas as a result. This program features music from various parts of Latin America and its influence on jazz and “Classical” music in the United States. Conductor Tito Muñoz leads ACO in the performance of works by Clarice Assad, Edmar Castañeda, Alice Coltrane, Tania León, and Tomàs Peire Serrate. Guest artists Clarice Assad (vocals and electronics), Edmar Castañeda (harp), and percussion ensemble Harlem Samba join ACO onstage.

Hello, America: Transatlantic

Carnegie Hall

The American Composers Orchestra is a Carnegie Hall staple, with every performance adding to its vast repertoire. As part of the Hall’s celebration of Latin culture in the US, this concert features two singular performers in premieres of their own original works: virtuoso jazz harpist Edmar Castañeda, who “raises the bar for every harpist” (NPR); and electronics artist Clarice Assad, who “negotiates the line between chamber jazz and classical music with ... her native [Brazilian] rhythms” (The Chicago Reader). Conducted by Tito Munõz, the orchestra also treats audiences to an uplifting piece by 2021 Pulitzer Prize winner Tania León; Alice Coltrane’s interpretation of Going Home, derived from Dvořák’s Ninth Symphony; and an additional world premiere by Los Angeles’ Tomàs Peire Serrate. Keeping the energy high throughout the program are interludes by Brazilian percussion ensemble Harlem Samba.


American Composers Orchestra

Join us for an unforgettable evening with Colombian musician and composer Edmar Castañeda at Stanford Live. This remarkable event is set to take place on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 7:30 PM in the prestigious Bing Concert Hall. Tickets start at $32, offering you the chance to experience the magic of Castañeda's genre-bending quartet live.

Edmar Castañeda, a leader among the next generation of harp players, is renowned for his innovative approach to the traditional South American folk-style joropo, seamlessly blending it with jazz and other Latin music styles. His extraordinary technique and ability to juggle lead, rhythm, and bass lines have astounded audiences worldwide, earning high praise from critics, including NPR Music, for never sacrificing the groove.

The evening promises not just a concert but an immersive experience. The lobby opens at 6:30 PM, allowing guests to enjoy beverages, light bites, and snacks available for sale before the performance begins. This event is generously supported by The Aufmuth Family, ensuring that it will be a night to remember.

Don't miss the opportunity to witness the astonishing talent of Edmar Castañeda in the acoustically superb Bing Concert Hall. Secure your tickets now for an evening of innovative music that bridges cultures and genres.

Edmar Castañeda

Stanford University

An unforgettable night of jazz and world music featuring two incredible artists from across the globe!

“Sensational... Standout performance... Hardest swinging band at the Newport Jazz Festival.” (Downbeat)

The Django Festival Allstars bring the music of the legendary jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt fully into the 21st century. Their unique, high-energy performances pay tribute to Reinhardt who is considered one of the greatest guitar players of all time. Reinhardt’s driving, swinging style became known as “hot jazz” and it continues to grow in popularity throughout the world, in great part to the success of the Django Festival Allstars, who honour the traditions of the music, adding their own interpretations, arrangements, and original compositions with stunning virtuosity.

Django Festival Allstars with special guest Edmar Castañeda

The Royal Conservatory of Music

The latest installment of Terence Blanchard’s rising-talent series UpSwing showcases a exceptional example of the creative ferment emanating from what banjo maestro Béla Fleck calls “the odd instrument club.”

Harpist

Edmar Castañeda

Events

Upcoming events

Nov 28, 2026

Edmar Castañeda / Germán López · San Francisco Jazz

Past events

Sep 12, 2026

Edmar Castañeda Quartet · McCarter Theatre Center

Jun 27, 2026

BEATrio: Béla Fleck, Edmar Castañeda & Antonio Sánchez · Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center

About

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