Composer • Jazz Guitarist • Pianist • Recording Artist
Juan David Agana is an award-winning jazz guitarist, orchestral composer, pianist, and recording artist, as well as a graduate of The Juilliard School. In 2019, he was named a semifinalist in the prestigious Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz International Guitar Competition.
Juan’s elevated command of the symphonic landscape is rare for an artist of his generation. His music fearlessly explores polyphonic innovation while remaining deeply rooted in the folkloric traditions of his native Venezuela. Through this balance, he has emerged as a compelling new artistic voice — one that bridges contemporary orchestral language, jazz improvisation, and Caribbean musical identity with a message that is profoundly human.
A recipient of the Irene Diamond Scholarship in 2017, Juan has performed at some of New York City’s most iconic jazz venues, including Blue Note Jazz Club, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Dizzy’s Club, Smoke Jazz & Supper Club, and the legendary 55 Bar. He has toured extensively throughout the United States and internationally, appearing at celebrated festivals such as the San Jose Jazz Festival, Festival des Traditions du Monde, South Beach Jazz Festival, Sisters Folk Festival, Joshua Tree Music Festival, and many others.
His compositional catalog includes Poemas de Alhelí: Cuatro Respiros Sinfónicos (2025), a four-movement work for symphony orchestra that forms part of his forthcoming conceptual double album Poemas de Alhelí, recorded by The Miami Symphony Orchestra at Criteria Studios under the direction of Maestro Eduardo Marturet; String Quartet No. 1: Turpial en Morningside (2021); Broken Dreams (2020) for classical guitar; Migraine Blues (2020) for jazz big band; and Ofelia (2019), featured on his album Stardust.
As a guitarist and improviser, Juan is recognized for his jagged melodic language, unorthodox harmonic voicings, virtuosic technique, and vibrant lyrical tone. His artistry reflects both a profound command of jazz traditions and an expansive understanding of Caribbean music and contemporary orchestral writing.
Beyond his work as a solo artist and composer, Juan leads a Los Angeles-based salsa fusion ensemble and co-leads the avant-garde Agana/Winstone Quintet in New York City. Alongside drummer and composer Ugi Agana, he is also the co-founder of the independent label Agana Records.
Selected Quotes
“Juan brings an uncommon perspective to composition and is a natural at creating festive colors, danceable rhythms and coherent forms. I see him bridging musical gulfs in the future.” — Wynton Marsalis
“Juan’s intent on being as real as he can be, in being a reflection of his interior to the people around him, demonstrates power. His contribution to jazz and to the styles of music he creates will be rewarded.” — Marc Cary
Links
Official Website: https://www.juandavidagana.com
Discography: https://www.juandavidagana.com/discography
Agana Records: https://www.aganarecords.com