Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Castaneda’s virtuosic command of the harp has revolutionized the way audiences and critics alike consider an instrument commonly relegated to the “unusual category” in jazz.

A master at realizing beautiful complexities of time while skillfully drawing out lush colors and dynamic spirit, Castaneda’s enormous talent, versatility and charisma have taken the harp out of the shadows and helped him become one of the most original musicians in jazz today. Castaneda’s body seemingly engulfs his Colombian harp as he crafts almost unbelievable feats of cross-rhythms, layered with chordal nuances that will leave audiences with jaws dropped and wanting more.

Engagement events

Engagement at The Clarice is characterized by facilitated audience interactions with artists, scholars and community leaders that are focused on process and research rather than product and performance:

• While at The Clarice, Colombian-born Castaneda hosted an open harp class for performers of all ages, followed by a reception given by the Virginia Harp Center
• As part of The Clarice’s community-based participatory research project to learn more about Latino/a audiences in our area, the Langley Park Community Center’s Adelante Family Dinner participants were invited to dinner and a performance by Mr. Castaneda here at The Clarice.