Brought from Costa Rica to the U.S. on a full performance scholarship granted by Miami Dade Community College south campus' and the University of Miami ’s prestigious jazz program, Carlomagno Araya moved to Miami in the fall of 1994.



His formal musical training includes attending music programs such as the Conservatorio de Castella (Costa Rica-1982-87), O.S.J. (Costa Rica, 1988-1991), Berklee College of Music summer program in 1990 and 1991, M.D.C.C. (Kendall, 1994-97) as well as completing his bachelor’s degree at U of M in 2001.



Currently one of the busiest players on the South Florida music scene, Carlomagno Araya has performed on two multiple-Grammy nominated albums, winning “best world music album” with Ruben Blades’ “Mundo,” (Sony) and “best tropical contemporary album” with Roberta Perera’s “Sensual” (Heads Up).



Carlomagno Araya’s versatility has afforded him the opportunity to hold impressively diverse touring, performing and recording credits, working with huge names in the industry such as Ruben Blades, Ilan Chester, Engelbert Humperdinck, Chayanne, Claudia Acuna, Tania Libertad, Nestor Torres, Hernan Gamboa, Paquito D‘Rivera, Victor Mendoza, Alon Yavnai, Roberto Perera, Willy Chirino, Daniela Mercury, Alejandra Guzman, Alejandro Lerner, Armando Manzanero, Bebu Silveti, Rudy Perez, Bob Mintzer and Leon Gieco, among others.



Touring the world, Carlomagno Araya has performed in some of the most prestigious venues, theatres, and festivals, such as Carnegie Hall, The Apollo Theater, Olympia Theater (Paris), Hollywood Bowl, Universal Amphitheater, Montreux Jazz Fest, JVC Jazz Fest, Hamburg Jazz Fest, Monterey Jazz Fest, and Puerto Rico Heineken Jazz Fest.



Carlomagno Araya is currently endorsed by DW drums and hardware, Vic Firth drumsticks, Istanbul Agop cymbals and Remo drumheads.