About Katherine
Katherine Rivas is an recognized Venezuelan flutist with an international career, renowned for her virtuosity, artistic sensitivity, and deep commitment to music education.
Trained from a young age within Venezuela’s world-famous Sistema Nacional de Orquestas y Coros Juveniles e Infantiles (El Sistema), she has built a solid path as a soloist, principal flutist, and mentor to the next generation of musicians.
She displayed exceptional talent from the age of 8, which led her to become principal flutist of the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela, performing under the baton of renowned conductors such as Gustavo Dudamel, Claudio Abbado, Sir Simon Rattle, and Daniel Barenboim.
She has toured internationally more than 20 times, gracing iconic venues like Carnegie Hall (New York), Salle Pleyel (Paris), Teatro alla Scala (Milan), and Royal Albert Hall (London).
The Projects That Define Her Journey
“The sound of her flute carries stories, dreams, and a legacy without borders.”
More than a musician, Katherine Rivas is a voice for culture, education, and global artistry. Her flute has echoed from Caracas to Carnegie Hall, inspiring not just audiences, but entire generations of young artists.
Her story is not just about music — it’s about resilience, passion, and a legacy that continues to grow.
A Life Shaped by the Flute
Career in the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra
Katherine was selected as first flute of the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela (OSSBV), the most important professional ensemble of El Sistema. With this orchestra:
She was conducted by great figures of classical music such as: Gustavo Dudamel, Claudio Abbado, Sir Simon Rattle, Daniel Barenboim, Eduardo Marturet, Christian Vásquez
She shared the stage with international soloists and conductors such as: Luciano Pavarotti, Plácido Domingo, Miah Persson, Anna Larsson.
"Katherine Rivas, the Venezuelan flutist shaping the next generation of musicians through excellence and tradition."
— Inspired by her academic work in El Sistema and Latin America
"El Cruzao"
A joropo work that celebrates Venezuelan identity through new voices
This work is not only part of Katherine's artistic repertoire, but also represents her commitment to Latin American culture, collaborative work, and music that transcends borders.
Musical Work and Legacy
Her Vision in Action
01.
The Nucleus Orchestral Texas
The Nucleus Orchestral Program is a nonprofit initiative co-directed by Katherine Rivas, focused on music education for children and adolescents in the community. Katherine currently serves as the director of Nucleus Texas, where she leads musical and educational initiatives for talented young people in the region.
02.
Krea Academy
Krea Academy, founded and directed by Katherine Rivas, is an institution dedicated to providing high-quality music education to children and young adults. In collaboration with The Nucleus Orchestral Program Texas, they offer orchestral programs and individual lessons that foster the artistic and personal development of their students.
03.
Discography
Katherine Rivas’s discography includes acclaimed recordings such as Fiesta (Deutsche Grammophon, Latin Grammy-nominated) and Mariachitlán (with the Jalisco Philharmonic, also Latin Grammy-nominated), showcasing her versatility in both classical and Latin American repertoire.
04.
Recognitions
Her artistry has been honored with awards such as First Prize at the Venezuelan National Flute Competition, the Bärenreiter Urtext Award at the ARD Competition in Munich, and multiple Latin Grammy nominations — affirming her excellence as a performer and educator.