In Venezuela, a family gathering, small or big, can turn into a jam session that starts with an uncle bringing a drum, a cousin grabbing some maracas and, of course, someone picking up a cuatro. That is how Jorge Glem was introduced to music, in the warmth of his home.

Glem grew up in Venezuela and now lives in the United States. A founding member of the C4 Trio, which won a Latin Grammy, he has also been nominated for a Grammy. He has performed with artists including Rubén Blades, Carlos Vives and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

“Whenever I play, I’m reminded of my family. (The cuatro) is an instrument that takes me back, with a sense of nostalgia, to the Venezuela where I grew up. But it’s also chévere, because it’s a way to hold onto hope and keep a foothold in one’s homeland,” Glem told Tucson Spotlight in Spanish. “So, playing the cuatro isn’t just about making music; it’s also about remembering the best moments of my life.”

Glem is bringing the cuatro, a small four-string, guitar-like instrument that is Venezuela’s national instrument, to Tucson on Oct. 23 and 25 to play with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, known as TSO, at the Fiesta Latina, a set of concerts that pays tribute to Latin American music and composers. He will join forces with Venezuelan bassist Elvis Martinez to perform in the series’ third installment, Latin Sizzle, which celebrates the music of Venezuela.

The cuatro is rhythmically, melodically and harmonically rich, Glem said.

“The right hand acts like a drum, creating a percussive rhythm, while the left hand provides accompaniment and plays melodies,” Glem said. “These are roles that would normally be split among three separate instruments, so the cuatro is a truly wonderful and incredibly versatile instrument.”

Glem describes the cuatro as “the soundtrack of Venezuela,” an instrument that all Venezuelans know about.

“(Choosing the cuatro) was a natural approach because it was what I saw being played at home, by my family and friends,” Glem said.

Traditionally, the cuatro is played in Venezuela’s folk music, joropo. But Glem sees the cuatro as a universal instrument, an instrument that can play a variety of genres.

He said that as humans, animals and technologies have evolved, the cuatro has the capacity to do so as well.

“We can’t keep playing the same stuff from a hundred years ago,” Glem said.

Because the cuatro is still relatively unknown to most of the world, it’s not unusual for Glem to perform for audiences who might not be familiar with what a cuatro is or sounds like. He takes great pride in being a cuatro player and an ambassador for Venezuela’s traditional music.

“It is a big responsibility, but it is beautiful to see people leave pleasantly surprised and grateful to hear a new sound, a new instrument. And that holds great value,” Glem said.

His goal is to make the cuatro an instrument that is recognized worldwide.

“It’s painstaking, day-to-day work, and it’s not just me; there are many people working toward this,” he said. “Simply going to Tucson and showcasing the cuatro for the first time, it is already part of my mission as a human being, part of my purpose in this world.”

TSO Music Director José Luis Gómez, Glem and Martinez will perform at the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall in a program featuring Inocente Carreño’s “Margariteña”; Gonzalo Grau’s 2026 Latin Grammy-nominated “Odisea” and “Concerto for Cuatro”; Aldemaro Romero’s “Fuga con Pajarillo”; and Jean Sibelius’ Fifth Symphony.

With Fiesta Latina, Gómez, who was born in Venezuela, wanted to find a space within the orchestra’s programming that reflects the diverse heritage of the Hispanic and Latin American community.

“I wanted to find a way to create a kaleidoscope that would tell the story of the vast array of rhythms and melodies we have,” Gómez said in Spanish. “Tucson has that rich diversity, and I want the orchestra to be part of that cultural weaving.”

As TSO approaches its 100th anniversary in 2029, Gómez’s goal is to advance the orchestra with pieces beyond the classics. He understands the existing prejudice toward classical music, which is one of the reasons he has expanded TSO’s repertoire.

“To listen to music, all you need is a pair of ears,” he explained, noting that while having some knowledge is good, it is not a requirement. “The important thing is to be there and experience it.”

Fiesta Latina runs weekly throughout the month of October.

TSO’s Up Close chamber series, Fandangos and Malambos, is happening Oct. 17 and 18 at Tucson Symphony Center and explores the music of Uruguay and Argentina.

Latin Sizzle runs Oct. 23 through 25, and Fiesta Latina culminates with TSO’s Día de los Muertos concert on Nov. 1 at the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, featuring Edna Vazquez of Pink Martini.

Glem’s Tucson concerts follow a summer in which he used his music to support his home country.

In August, Glem and Martinez performed with Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl in a benefit concert to help victims of Venezuela’s double earthquake in June.

For Glem, being part of such a large effort to support his home country was very meaningful.

“I’m not in a position to be clearing rubble right now, but I can make music and that might help bring a bit more peace and comfort to those who are doing that work, or help raise funds for hospitals,” he said. “That’s important, too.”

Nearly 1.2 million Venezuelans live in the United States and about 7 million are spread around the globe. The Venezuelan diaspora has opened a door that invites others to get to know Venezuela’s culture through food, community values or music.

By playing Venezuela’s national instrument, Glem has been able to share his heritage and culture with people around the world.

“There are so many (Venezuelans) trying to show the country’s best face in whatever way we can. We need to stay united, proud to be Venezuelans, proud to be Latinos, and proud to be good people. Being brothers and sisters without borders.”

Visit tucsonsymphony.org for more information on the Fiesta Latina concert series.

Diana Ramos is a University of Arizona alum and Tucson Spotlight reporter. Contact her at diana@tucsonspotlight.org.  

Tucson Spotlight is a community-based newsroom that provides paid opportunities for students and rising journalists in Southern Arizona. Please consider supporting our work with a tax-deductible donation.