Introducing to Circle 9 Records: Gabriel CHakarji

Circle 9 Records introduced pianist Gabriel Chakarji on September 14th, 2024 – ©2024 Chris Woodard Photography

Gabriel Chakarji is a Latin Grammy Award nominee pianist and composer who merges the influences of his Venezuelan musical backgrounds with a New York City Jazz sound. 

Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, he grew up in a multicultural environment full of music that expands from afro-Venezuelan Folk, Caribbean, Brazilian music to Jazz and Gospel. Gabriel began studying classical piano at the age of nine.  After high school, he studied composition at Ars Nova School of music. In his teens, he took part in the Simon Bolívar Jazz Big Band touring with this orchestra to the US in 2011. His experience, versatility, and passion made him one of the most sought after pianists in his country. His participation in the Album "Tiempo" of Linda Briceño earned him a nomination for the Latin Grammy Awards in 2013. 
The Café Royal Cultural Foundation NYC has awarded a 2019 Fall music grant for Gabriel to complete his “Venezuela in Motion” project.