Born into a family where music was the language of life, Gabriel Navia emerged as an artist of extraordinary breadth and talent. A producer, guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, and composer, his journey has been defined by collaboration and creativity. Gabriel’s artistry has earned him recognition on two Latin Grammy-nominated albums: Piano & Charango and Carnaval in Piano Charango, alongside the brilliant Chuchito Valdés and his father, Eddy Navia.
In the vibrant Bay Area, Gabriel is celebrated as one of the leading lights of Latin music. His work effortlessly bridges tradition and innovation, fusing Latin rhythms with flamenco, jazz, and contemporary influences to craft a style that is uniquely his own. This remarkable journey began at just eleven years old when Gabriel embarked on a professional career as a charango player, touring and recording with Sukay, the Andean music ensemble led by his father.
Gabriel’s music has taken him to stages across the world—from Asia to Europe, and North to South America—where he has performed for audiences large and small. Along the way, he has shared his talents with an astonishing array of artists: Daniel Hope, Chuchito Valdés, Richard Howell, Charlie Musselwhite, Jack Douglas, Fito Reinoso, Orestes Vilato, Edgardo Cambon, John Santos, Los Kjarkas, Savia Andina, the San Francisco Symphony, and many more. His collaborations reflect not only his versatility but his deep respect for the rich traditions of the many musical worlds he inhabits.
Gabriel’s academic journey mirrors his global artistry. A post-graduate of the Conservatori del Liceu in Barcelona, his education spans continents and cultures. From the Instituto Eduardo Laredo in Bolivia to the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and Berklee College of Music in Boston—where he earned the Outstanding Musician Award—Gabriel has continuously honed his craft. In 2007, he was awarded a prestigious scholarship from Fundación Carolina to study flamenco under the legendary Manuel Granados, a milestone in his lifelong dedication to mastering the art of music.
Gabriel Navia’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and profound creativity—a testament to the ways music can connect us all, transcending borders, genres, and generations.
In the vibrant Bay Area, Gabriel is celebrated as one of the leading lights of Latin music. His work effortlessly bridges tradition and innovation, fusing Latin rhythms with flamenco, jazz, and contemporary influences to craft a style that is uniquely his own. This remarkable journey began at just eleven years old when Gabriel embarked on a professional career as a charango player, touring and recording with Sukay, the Andean music ensemble led by his father.
Gabriel’s music has taken him to stages across the world—from Asia to Europe, and North to South America—where he has performed for audiences large and small. Along the way, he has shared his talents with an astonishing array of artists: Daniel Hope, Chuchito Valdés, Richard Howell, Charlie Musselwhite, Jack Douglas, Fito Reinoso, Orestes Vilato, Edgardo Cambon, John Santos, Los Kjarkas, Savia Andina, the San Francisco Symphony, and many more. His collaborations reflect not only his versatility but his deep respect for the rich traditions of the many musical worlds he inhabits.
Gabriel’s academic journey mirrors his global artistry. A post-graduate of the Conservatori del Liceu in Barcelona, his education spans continents and cultures. From the Instituto Eduardo Laredo in Bolivia to the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and Berklee College of Music in Boston—where he earned the Outstanding Musician Award—Gabriel has continuously honed his craft. In 2007, he was awarded a prestigious scholarship from Fundación Carolina to study flamenco under the legendary Manuel Granados, a milestone in his lifelong dedication to mastering the art of music.
Gabriel Navia’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and profound creativity—a testament to the ways music can connect us all, transcending borders, genres, and generations.