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BIO

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Peruvian-born guitarist Carlos Odria has been described as a "breathtakingly talented musician with immense technical skill" (Worcester Telegram) and as a "guitar wizard" (Gamble Rogers Fest). His original compositions and arrangements of jazz standards and Latin American tunes deliver an exciting blend of international styles such as bossa nova, Afro-Peruvian festejo, rumba flamenca, and Afro-Caribbean vibes, all imbued with an improvisational approach inspired by the rich tradition of American jazz. He holds a Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology from Florida State University, where he also obtained a Certificate in Music of the Americas. He studied classical and Latin American folk guitar with the acclaimed Peruvian guitarist Pepe Torres. Later on, he pursued advanced jazz studies with Richie Zellon, jazz guitar arranging with Leo Welch, and cuatro at the Jose Luis Paz Conservatory in Maracaibo, Venezuela.

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In 2014, the debut album of Omnimusica, an ensemble in which Odria was the lead guitarist, was included on the official ballot for the 57th Grammy Awards in the World Music category.

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Dr. Odria has performed at concert halls, universities, and festivals, sharing the stage with jazz, classical, and world music artists such as Jeff Denson, Longineu Parsons, Leon Anderson, the Jacksonville Children's Chorus, Mlimani Park Orchestra, Mia Gormandy, Haigiong Deng, Silviu Ciulei, Jorge Continentino, Jeff Brooks, and Etienne Charles. He has taught at Darton State College, Clark University, and UMASS Boston. Currently, he holds the position of Assistant Professor of Music and Interdisciplinary Arts at the Visual and Performing Arts Department at Worcester State University.

PAST PERFORMANCES

 

Universities and Colleges

 

  • Worcester State University

  • Darton State College

  • Albany State University

  • Florida State University

  • University of North Florida 

  • Florida Institute of Technology

  • Tallahassee Community College

  • University of North Georgia

  • Valdosta State University

  • College of Central Florida

  • University of Massachusetts Boston

  • University of Florida

  • Florida Institute of Technology

  • Florida A&M University

  • Bainbridge State College

  • Middlelbury College

  • Thomas University 

  • Clark University

  • Muskingum University

  • Worcester Polytechnic Institute 

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Festivals and Concert Series

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  • Worcester Chamber Music Society

  • Polar Park Pre-Game Concert Series

  • Gamble Rogers Music Fest

  • Wood and Wire Acoustic Music Festival

  • Bear Creek Music Festival

  • Elm Park Summer Concert Series

  • Florida Folk Festival (Featured Artist)

  • Southern Music Rising Festival

  • Friday Musicale Chamber Music Series

  • Bok Tower Gardens Concert Series

  • Rainbow Concert of World Music

  • Providence Jazz Revelations Concert Series 

  • Albany Museum of Art

  • St. Augustine Spanish Wine Festival

  • Florida Frenchtown Heritage Festival

  • Newton Square Summer Concert Series

  • Wakulla Wildlife Festival

  • Bear Creek Music Festival

  • South Florida Folk Festival

  • StArt on the Street Central Massachusetts Fest

  • Jazz on the Sundial @ Ecotarium 

  • Hudson MA Festival 

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Venues

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  • 19 Carter (MA)

  • Framingham Callahan Center (MA)

  • Falmouth Jazz (MA)

  • Mechanics Hall (MA)

  • Studio 50 @ WiCN 90.5 (MA)

  • Spire Center for the Arts (MA)

  • Chelmsford Center for the Arts (MA)

  • Ponte Vedra Concert Hall (FL)

  • White Springs Folk Club (FL)

  • Jacoby Symphony Hall (FL)

  • St. Augustine Amphitheater (FL)

  • Florida’s Governor Mansion (FL)

  • Staples' Headquarters (MA)

  • Centro Cultural El Ekeko (Peru)

  • Monticello Opera House (FL)

  • Albany Municipal Auditorium (GA)

  • Society for Ethnomusicology Annual Meeting (IN)

  • B Sharps Jazz Club (FL)

 

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