“I was born to play the harp. It is a gift from God and like every gift from God, it has a purpose. The purpose of my music is to worship Him and bring his presence and unconditional love to people.”
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Edmar Castañeda is a Colombian-born harpist, composer, and bandleader recognized as one of the most original and influential voices in contemporary jazz. A Latin Grammy nominee for Best Latin Jazz Album (Family), he has redefined the role of the harp through a singular technique that seamlessly integrates bass lines, harmony, and melody, expanding the instrument far beyond its traditional boundaries.

 

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Since arriving in New York in 1994, Castañeda has built an extraordinary career collaborating with some of the most important artists of our time, including Wynton Marsalis, Béla Fleck, John Scofield, Marcus Miller, Hiromi, Paquito D’Rivera, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Pedrito Martínez, and Paco de Lucía, among many others. He is also a member of BEATrio with Béla Fleck and Antonio Sánchez, a project that has been internationally acclaimed and Grammy-nominated.

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Castañeda is the creator of the EC Llanera Harp, developed in collaboration with Camac Harps, a groundbreaking instrument that reflects his innovative approach to performance and composition. ​As a composer, he has received major commissions including Bordones for harp and string orchestra, co-commissioned by the American Composers Orchestra and Carnegie Hall and premiered at Carnegie Hall, and Tres Cordilleras for harp and big band, commissioned by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.

 

 

​His work spans from intimate solo performances to large-scale symphonic collaborations with ensembles such as the Orquestra Clássica de Espinho, São Paulo Jazz Symphony Orchestra, Israel Camerata Jerusalem, and the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de Colombia.

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Castañeda’s music has reached global audiences through projects such as Disney’s Encanto, for which he contributed as a performer and musical consultant, and through his extensive discography as a bandleader. His most recent work continues to push artistic and emotional boundaries. His upcoming album, Global Heartbeat (2026), is a deeply personal reflection on family, connection, and the idea of the world as a shared home, blending intimate moments with powerful rhythmic expression, and reinforcing his vision of music as a bridge between cultures and human experiences.

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Critics worldwide have praised his artistry. NPR’s Fresh Air notes, “his technique is the real astonishment… he juggles lead, rhythm, and bass lines without ever losing the groove.” The New York Times highlights his ability to honor cultural traditions while pushing modern jazz forward, and the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung describes his playing as “a totally unique, symphonic fullness of sound… captivating virtuosity with deep musical purpose.”