/bio

Jorge Durán Rodríguez is a composer, Latin percussionist, and vibraphonist who identifies as a Bard Metamodernist, blending storytelling, tradition, and innovation to create music that transcends boundaries. Born in Venezuela and now based in Italy, his journey began at the age of eight, rooted in the vibrant musical traditions of his homeland. Over more than three decades, Jorge has developed a unique style that intertwines Afro-Cuban and Caribbean rhythms, jazz, and Latin American heritage with contemporary electronic music.

Central to his artistic identity is his creative approach to the vibraphone, enhanced with electronic modifications that allow him to craft intricate and evocative sonic landscapes. This exploration reflects his commitment to balancing the traditional and the modern, creating music that is as innovative as it is grounded in cultural roots.

Jorge’s experiences across continents—Brazil, the United States, Germany, Spain, and Venezuela—have profoundly influenced his work. In Spain, he composed music for films and led a mambo revival project in Madrid, reimagining the golden era of 1940s Afro-Cuban music. Later, his time in Germany marked a shift toward contemporary music production, where he released seven albums that combined field recordings, rhythmic experimentation, and cultural storytelling.

As a Bard Metamodernist, Jorge extends his artistry beyond sound, incorporating video synthesizers and custom audiovisual technologies into his performances to create immersive, multi-sensory experiences. His solo concerts in South Korea exemplify his ability to connect with diverse audiences through this innovative blend of music and visual storytelling.

In 2025, Jorge returns to Asia with a groundbreaking project that bridges Latin American rhythmic traditions and Yoruba drumming with modern electronic techniques and immersive visuals, continuing his exploration of the intersections between heritage and innovation.

Jorge Durán Rodríguez’s work invites audiences into a profound dialogue between the past and the future, tradition, and experimentation, offering a unique perspective on music as a form of storytelling that transcends time and place.