Edmar Castandea has become one of the most in demand harp players in the world.
Born in Bogota Colombia, the harpist has garnered acclaim for his revolutionary playing style. The son of a Colombian musician and a nurturing mother, Castaneda plays the "harpa Llanera," a Colombian folk harp which allows him to not only play traditional music but also incorporate it with Jazz. Before his success, Castaneda used to take dance classes in Jorobo, which he admits were crucial to harp work. He believed it was a way of mastering his movement while playing the harp.
Over the past few years Castneda recorded three CDs entitled "Cuatro de Colores," "Entre Cuerdas" and "Double Portion." He not only played as the soloist in the recording but also collaborated with celebrated artists including Marshall Gikes (Trombone), John Scofield (Guitar) and his wife and frequent collaborator Andrea Tierra (Vocals).
Critics have called his playing "a Jazz harpist of imposing talent" and even said he is "a master at realizing beautiful complexities of time, while skillfully drawing out lush colors and dynamic spirit."
Castaneda has played in many local venues such as the Long Beach Public Library as well as in the great stages in the world. He played at the Jazz Festival of Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, the John F. Kennedy of Performing Arts and Tanglewood. He has also played in Austria, Ireland, Toyko, Turkey and his native country.
His upcoming season brings him back to Austria, Tokyo as well Brazil, Italy, Germany, Netherlands and France.
As the Castaneda continues to venture into inventive music, he is still committed to using his music as a means of improving people's lives.
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