Upcoming Presentations
Follow José Staneck's schedule of concerts, workshops, and masterclasses for 2026.
"The David Oistrakh of the Harmonica"
With over 100 solo performances leading major orchestras and a discography totaling 15 CDs, José Staneck is today one of the greatest exponents of his instrument in the world.
Acclaimed by French critics as the "David Oistrakh of the harmonica," Staneck masterfully navigates between classical and popular music, being the main promoter of Villa-Lobos's work for the instrument. His unique sound has already resonated on the most prestigious stages in the world, including a historic tour of Carnegie Hall in 2022 with the OSESP (São Paulo State Symphony Orchestra).
Luiz Paulo Horta, Jornal do Brasil
Another pleasant surprise of the year was Villa-Lobos' Concerto for Bagpipes, which José Staneck performed masterfully... it could have been our Concierto de Aranjuez.
Armando Nogueira
The power of Staneck's breath gives me the sweet impression that the harmonica player is a shepherd who spends his life tending flocks of clouds.
Olivier Bellamy, Le Monde de la Musique (France)
The David Oistrakh of the harmonica... All the notes, ornaments, and strokes are wonderfully reproduced on this small piece of metal.
Italo M. Staneck
Simple, small, a creation of artisans,
it is born already enveloped between mouth and hands.
Its destiny is to live. From the breath, from the air,
from the life that comes from another's breath.
Carlos Dantas, Tribuna da Imprensa
Staneck demonstrated virtuoso mastery and a remarkable range of nuances. An expressive artistic result.
A Career of Debuts and Virtuosity
Records of a career marked by more than 100 concerts with various orchestral formations around the world.
Orchestras and Stages: He has performed as a soloist with renowned orchestras such as the Simon Bolivar Orchestra (Venezuela), the OSESP at Carnegie Hall, and the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra.
Unpublished Dedications: More than 30 works were written and dedicated specially to him by names such as Egberto Gismonti, Edino Krieger, Marlos Nobre and HJ Koellreutter.
International Presence: With a solid international career, José Staneck has taken Brazilian music to stages in countries such as Spain, Peru, Venezuela, and Uruguay, in addition to prominent tours in the United States and Europe.
Film and Soundtracks: He participated in notable soundtracks such as the film "Uma Vida de Paixão" (about Villa-Lobos) and "Os Desafinados," where he prepared and dubbed the actor Rodrigo Santoro. In film, in addition to national productions, he participated in the soundtrack of "O Trampo," a work that won an award at the Madrid Film Festival.
Sponsorship: Staneck currently represents the Chinese harmonica factory East Top .
José Staneck is one of the greatest names in harmonica playing worldwide, combining artistic virtuosity with a deep social commitment. A master of music, he dedicates himself to transforming the lives of thousands of young people in Brazilian communities through harmonica teaching. His career blends excellence on international stages with the democratization of access to concert culture.
Where Versatility Meets
José Staneck blends the rigorous technique of concert music with the soul of popular music and jazz, creating a distinctive sound that defines his own style.
A soloist with leading Brazilian and international orchestras, Staneck is a benchmark in the interpretation of harmonica concertos, inspiring contemporary composers to dedicate new works to his talent.
Orchestral Performance
Holding a Master's degree in Music from UNIRIO, he dedicates himself to the training of new musicians. He was the director of the renowned Musiarte school and develops pedagogical work focused on the harmonica as a high-performance instrument.
Music Education
He believes in music as a tool for inclusion. She has participated in projects such as 'Orchestras in Schools', 'Musical Apprentice', and 'Partners in Education'. Currently, she coordinates the educational activities of the Antônio Carlos Jobim Institute (IACJ), bringing harmonica instruction to thousands of young people in communities and public school systems.
