Diego Andrés Montes Olivar is a Venezuelan percussionist recognized for his versatility as a soloist, orchestral musician, and collaborative artist. His career spans international performances with leading orchestras, festivals, and ensembles across Europe, Latin America, and the United States.

He began his musical training at an early age and joined the National Children’s Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela at twelve. His early professional development included performances as a timpanist at the Salzburg Festival under Sir Simon Rattle, as well as appearances at major international festivals such as EPSIVAL Brass and Percussion Festival (France) and Campos do Jordão Festival (Brazil).

Diego has performed with the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela under Gustavo Dudamel, touring internationally in Spain, Russia, Germany, and Austria. In 2019, he was invited by Dudamel and the Mahler Chamber Orchestra to serve as Percussionist at the Castell de Peralada Festival in Spain.

As a soloist, Diego has recently premiered the Kraft Timpani Concerto and performed its orchestral percussion ensemble version, receiving recognition for his musical precision and interpretive depth. He has also appeared as featured soloist in Renewal by Viet Cuong at the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) Conference. Additional highlights include solo performances with the Schwob Wind Ensemble and a Second Prize in the Snare Drum Competition at PASIC 2024.

Diego is also a World Percussion Group Artist and will tour Europe in 2026 as part of the ensemble’s 10-Year Anniversary Programme, engaging in collaborative rehearsals, performances, and international cultural exchange throughout the tour.

Beyond performance, Diego is an active producer and composer for the Venezuelan Virtual Chamber Orchestra, an international project dedicated to expanding access to classical music through innovative digital collaboration. He graduated Summa Cum Laude in Music Performance from the Schwob School of Music and is currently pursuing an Artist Diploma in Music Performance, with certifications in Musicology and a minor in Composition.

Diego currently serves as Principal Percussionist of the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra and teaches percussion at YOGC, where he is committed to mentoring the next generation of musicians.