Jose Uzcategui

Jose Uzcategui is an emerging solo and chamber percussionist whose compelling performances and creative programming are redefining the modern percussion landscape. Born in Venezuela and shaped by the renowned El Sistema Nacional de Orquestas, he began his percussion studies at the age of five through La Academia Latinoamericana de Percusión, marking the start of an intensive path into the world of percussion.

Jose is deeply committed to the expansion of the percussion repertoire and regularly collaborates with composers to premiere and commission new works. His programming includes both experimental and virtuosic pieces—from solo maracas to extended-length concertos—bridging contemporary expression with rhythmic tradition. He frequently appears as a soloist and chamber musician across diverse settings, performing new music with equal dedication and intensity.

He has been recognized at international competitions, including top prizes at the Great Plains Marimba Competition, Southern California Marimba Competition, and Frances Walton Competition. In 2019, he was awarded the prestigious Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation scholarship and was invited to serve as a cultural ambassador at the 20th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards.

In the 2025/2026 season, Jose will continue to expand his concert activity through collaborations with leading ensembles and orchestras across the Dallas–Fort Worth region and beyond. He has appeared with groups such as the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, ensemblenewSRQ, SYZYGY Contemporary Ensemble, and is regularly invited as a guest artist for recitals, residencies, and contemporary music festivals in the U.S. and Latin America.

A passionate advocate for the expressive potential of percussion, he creates immersive soundscapes through innovative instrumentation and high-energy performances. His repertoire ranges from classical and folkloric works to premieres by living composers.

Jose Uzcátegui is a TAPS LA Festival Artist and proudly endorses Dragonfly Percussion mallets.