Few artists embody the spirit of musical fusion as naturally and authentically as Corina Bartra. A celebrated vocalist, composer, arranger, and percussionist, Bartra has spent decades building bridges between cultures, traditions, and generations through her music. Her work with The Prisma Project, particularly the album Colibrí: Bridging 2 Worlds (Unplugged), represents a culmination of that artistic journey, blending Afro-Peruvian roots, Latin American traditions, contemporary jazz, and global influences into a sound that is uniquely her own.
Born in Peru and later establishing strong artistic ties with New York City, Bartra became one of the pioneering voices bringing Afro-Peruvian music to international audiences. Her musical vision extends beyond simply preserving tradition. Instead, she reimagines and expands it, incorporating influences from across the African diaspora, including Cuban, Brazilian, and contemporary jazz styles. Her academic studies at Queens College in New York, where she earned a Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance, further strengthened her ability to connect diverse musical languages into a cohesive artistic statement.
Throughout her career, Bartra has performed at prestigious venues and festivals across the United States, Europe, and South America. Audiences have experienced her artistry at events such as the Women in Jazz Festival, the Capitol Jazz Festival, the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, and even at performances hosted by the United Nations. Her achievements include participation in the Acoustic Grammy event in New York City and a nomination for an Independent Music Award for her composition “El Dorado.”
At the heart of Bartra’s musical vision is The Prisma Project, an ensemble concept that reflects her belief that music can unite cultures while celebrating their differences. The project’s name itself suggests multiple perspectives and colors coming together, much like the musical traditions that influence its sound. Rather than being confined to a single genre, The Prisma Project embraces a broad spectrum of styles, creating a vibrant musical conversation between continents and communities.
One of the project’s most compelling releases is Colibrí: Bridging 2 Worlds (Unplugged). The album serves as both a personal statement and a cultural journey. The title track, inspired by the hummingbird, symbolizes movement, transformation, and connection—qualities that mirror Bartra’s own life between Peru and New York.
The album features a rich collection of original compositions and inventive interpretations. Tracks such as “Guerreros del Sol (Warriors of the Sun),” “Ave Fénix,” “Cocoa,” “River of a Thousand Voices,” and “Bosque de Piedra (Stone Forest)” showcase Bartra’s talent as a composer and storyteller. At the same time, her arrangements of classics including George Gershwin’s “Summertime” and the timeless “Stand By Me” reveal her ability to reinterpret familiar works through a distinctly Latin and jazz-inspired lens.
Spirituality and cultural identity run throughout the project. Songs such as “St. Francis of Assisi” appear in both English and Spanish versions, reflecting Bartra’s commitment to crossing linguistic and cultural boundaries. Traditional material such as “Dios Azules,” rooted in the heritage of Cuzco, Peru, further reinforces the album’s connection to ancestral traditions while presenting them in a contemporary setting.
The unplugged nature of the recording allows listeners to experience the intimacy of Bartra’s artistry. Without relying on elaborate production, the focus remains on the emotional depth of the performances, the strength of the compositions, and the chemistry between the musicians. The result is a recording that feels personal, warm, and deeply human.
Beyond Colibrí, Bartra continues to expand her creative horizons. Recent projects include her tribute to legendary guitarist Carlos Santana, showcasing her gift for reinterpreting iconic works while maintaining her own artistic identity. Whether exploring Afro-Peruvian rhythms, jazz improvisation, Brazilian influences, or contemporary world music, she remains committed to building cultural bridges through sound.
In an era when music increasingly transcends borders, Corina Bartra stands as a powerful example of how artistic traditions can evolve without losing their roots. Through The Prisma Project and albums such as Colibrí: Bridging 2 Worlds, she continues to create music that celebrates diversity, encourages connection, and reminds listeners that different worlds can indeed come together in harmony.
