World‑class Venezuelan musician Jorge Glem is set to perform with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra (TSO) as part of the Fiesta Latina concert series. The concerts, scheduled for Oct. 23 and Oct. 25 at the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, will feature Glem’s four‑string national instrument, the cuatro, alongside Venezuelan bassist Elvis Martinez.
Local cultural celebration
Fiesta Latina is TSO’s monthly tribute to Latin American music and composers. This year’s third installment, titled “Latin Sizzle,” highlights the music of Venezuela. Music Director José Luis Gómez, himself a native of Venezuela, said he wanted to create a program that reflects Tucson’s rich Hispanic and Latin American heritage.
“Tucson has that rich diversity, and I want the orchestra to be part of this cultural weaving,” Gómez told local media in Spanish.
Glem’s musical journey
Glem grew up in Venezuela, where family gatherings often turn into impromptu jam sessions. He first learned the cuatro from relatives and later became a founding member of the Grammy‑winning C4 Trio. He has performed with Rubén Blades, Carlos Vives, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and has earned both Latin Grammy and Grammy nominations.
“Whenever I play, I’m reminded of my family. The cuatro takes me back to the Venezuela where I grew up, and it’s a way to hold onto hope and keep a foothold in one’s homeland,” Glem said in an interview with Tucson Spotlight.
What makes the cuatro unique
The cuatro is a small, four‑string, guitar‑like instrument that serves as Venezuela’s national instrument. Glem explained that the right hand functions like a drum, providing percussive rhythm, while the left hand supplies accompaniment and melody—roles that would normally require three separate instruments.
“It is rhythmically, melodically and harmonically rich, a truly wonderful and incredibly versatile instrument,” he added.
Program highlights
The Fiesta Latina concerts will feature Inocente Carreño’s “Margariteña,” Gonzalo Grau’s 2026 Latin Grammy‑nominated “Odisea” and a new “Concerto for Cuatro,” Aldemaro Romero’s “Fuga con Pajarillo,” and Jean Sibelius’s Fifth Symphony.
Glem and Martinez will join TSO for the “Concerto for Cuatro,” a piece written specifically to showcase the instrument’s capabilities within a symphonic setting.
Community impact
Beyond the music, Glem sees his performances as a bridge between cultures. He hopes to introduce Tucson audiences to the cuatro’s sound and, ultimately, to raise awareness of Venezuelan heritage.
“It is a big responsibility, but it is beautiful to see people leave pleasantly surprised and grateful to hear a new sound,” he said.
Glem’s recent work also includes a benefit concert with Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, raising funds for victims of Venezuela’s June double earthquake.
Upcoming events
Fiesta Latina runs weekly throughout October, with additional TSO programs such as the Up Close chamber series (Oct. 17‑18) and the Día de los Muertos concert on Nov. 1.
For ticket information and the full Fiesta Latina schedule, visit tucsonsymphony.org.
Original reporting: Arizona Luminaria — read the source article.
