(PRINCETON, NJ) -- Colombian-born harpist, composer, and bandleader Edmar Castañeda has redefined what the harp can do in contemporary jazz, using the instrument to create rhythm, bass, harmony, and melody. A Latin GRAMMY nominee, Castañeda brings his quartet to McCarter Theatre's Berlind Theatre on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 7:30pm. Among his many credits, he performed and served as a music consultant for Disney's Encanto.
"What I love about Edmar Castañeda is the way he makes you hear the harp differently," says Paula Abreu, Director of Presented Programming and William Lockwood, Jr. Chair. "Born in Colombia, Edmar came to New York at 16 in 1994, where he discovered jazz and was welcomed into the jazz community by legendary saxophonist and clarinetist Paquito D'Rivera. He has completely reimagined what the harp can do, bringing the instrument into jazz and creating a sound that is entirely his own."
Since moving to New York, Castañeda has developed a distinctive sound that brings together jazz, Colombian music, and influences from around the world. He has collaborated with Wynton Marsalis, Paquito D'Rivera, Sting, Marcus Miller, Hiromi, and Béla Fleck. He is a member of BEATrio with Fleck and Antonio Sánchez, whose album received a GRAMMY nomination for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album. Castañeda returns to McCarter following his appearance with BEATrio, alongside Fleck and Sánchez.
Tickets range from $39-$69 and are available for purchase online or by calling the box office at (609) 258-2787. McCarter Theatre is located at 91 University Place, Princeton.
McCarter is one of the country’s flagship theaters and a vibrant center for community and the performing arts. Located on the campus of Princeton University, the independent nonprofit serves as a nationally renowned, multi-disciplinary creative hub for arts and ideas, offering theatre, music, dance, spoken word, and education programs for all ages.
A two-time Tony Award winner, McCarter’s legacy of artistic excellence dates back to 1930. Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart’s You Can’t Take It with You, and William Inge’s Bus Stop all premiered on the McCarter stage.
McCarter is equally revered for presenting global artists including Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Yo-Yo Ma, Samara Joy, Hasan Minhaj, Jon Stewart, Caetano Veloso, Rhiannon Giddens, Patti Smith, Esperanza Spalding, Lake Street Dive, and Herbie Hancock.
Each year, more than 5,000 students participate in McCarter’s educational programs across the region. McCarter creates experiences that enliven minds, expand imaginations, and engage communities.
Julio Torres is an Emmy-nominated, Peabody-winning and WGA-winning writer, director, and comedian from El Salvador. Â
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.Â
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Xian Zhang conductor
George Li piano
New Jersey Symphony
