Carlos Parada is a Colombian saxophonist and clarinetist who shines equally in Latin repertoire, jazz, and classical music.

His grandfather, a professional musician, introduced him at an early age to the saxophone, the clarinet, traditional Colombian music, and the joy of performing. Carlos went on to study classical music, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Clarinet Performance at the University of Antioquia (with Elizabeth Isaza) and a Master’s at EAFIT University in Medellín (under Christopher Jepperson, Ivan Petruziello, and Javier Vinasco). He completed his education in Mexico, where he obtained the internationally recognized ABRSM professional clarinet diploma from the Royal School of Music.

In the classical world, he has served as Principal Clarinet of the Antioquia Symphony Orchestra, co-founded the Medellín Clarinet Quartet, and taught clarinet at the University of Antioquia. He is currently Principal Clarinet and Saxophone of the Cúcuta Orchestra, as well as Principal Clarinet and Soloist with the symphony orchestra of the Sistema orchestral education program.

On the jazz scene, he is the saxophonist for Chato Pelayo (Mexico) and Siguarajazz (Colombia). In Latin music, he performs as a saxophonist with several well-known Colombian groups, including Grupo Caneo, La Tropibanda, and Banda la Bocana. In Mexico, he has been part of the Latin orchestras Zonarika (“Los Reyes del Merengue”), Hjalmar el Mayor, and Salsa Inn, with whom he has recorded numerous albums. He regularly gives solo and electronic saxophone concerts throughout Colombia, Mexico, and Spain.