José Gómez

José Gómez is recognized as one of the most active and sought-after clarinetists on the Latin American music scene, distinguished by his versatility as a soloist, chamber musician, and educator, as well as by his strong commitment to contemporary Latin American repertoire. He has built an outstanding artistic career while earning wide recognition for his distinguished pedagogical work.

As a chamber musician, he is a member of Qiru Ensamble, Tres Palos Ensamble, Cuarteto de Clarinetes de Bogotá, and Ensamble CG. His collaborative work reflects an active engagement with new music and interdisciplinary projects, contributing significantly to the visibility of Colombian composers and performers on international stages.

José has appeared as soloist, recitalist, and masterclass clinician in Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Mexico, Spain, Germany, Belgium, and the United States. He has served as Assistant Principal Clarinet of the Orquesta Filarmónica de Medellín and Guest Principal Clarinet of the Orquesta Filarmónica de Bogotá, and has collaborated with the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de Colombia, Pittsburgh Opera Theater Orchestra, and Banda Sinfónica Nacional de Colombia, among others.

His discography includes recordings dedicated to contemporary Colombian composers and institutional projects with Pontificia Universidad Javeriana and Universidad Distrital. He has also recorded for Biblioteca Luis Ángel Arango, Ensamble CG, Cuarteto de Clarinetes de Bogotá, and Nueva Filarmonía Orchestra, with which he received the 2019 Latin Grammy Award for Best Classical Album.

Driven by an entrepreneurial and artistic vision, José recently recorded his debut solo album featuring world premiere works by Colombian composers for clarinet and piano, in collaboration with pianist Diego Claros. The album is scheduled for release in 2026.

A committed pedagogue, José serves on the faculties of Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas (ASAB), and Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. His students have received recognition in major national and international competitions. He is also the founder and artistic director of the Bogotá International Clarinet Festival – Claribogotá.

José Gómez holds a Master of Music degree and an Artist Diploma from Duquesne University (USA), a Postgraduate Specialization in Performance from the Conservatorio Superior de Música de Salamanca (Spain), and a Bachelor’s degree from Universidad Nacional de Colombia.

Born in Popayán, Colombia, he began his musical training at an early age under the guidance of his father, Javier Gómez, and Manuel Collazos in the Timbío-Cauca Wind Band.