(…) his gorgeous tone on both electric and
nylon guitars was dominant, the musical narrative of every piece laid down by him, his lines so authentic and well placed and his persona and stage presence
both authoritative and calming.” – Magy’s Farm
As a multifaceted and versatile composer and guitarist, Orlando invites listeners on an authentic voyage of discovery, exploring the profound beauty of cultural fusion and evoking emotional resonance with each composition.
His 2025 debut album, Autorretrato en Tres Colores (Self-Portrait in Three Colours), was described by Jazzwise as “a classy debut,” and has received international recognition across Europe, Latin America, and the U.S., including Latin Grammy pre-nomination. The record presents a seven-track sonic memoir of migration, transformation, and belonging—what Jazz Ireland called “an emotional memoir told through harmony and rhythm—a work that resonates far beyond borders.”
Venezuelan-born and now based in Ireland, Molina has performed for President Michael D. Higgins on three occasions and collaborated with Grammy winners Wynton Marsalis, Rubén Blades, Gustavo Dudamel, and David Bisbal. His work spans prestigious collaborations with the RTÉ Orchestra, internationally acclaimed Latin American artists, Andreas Morricone, Ella Bric, Miguel Siso, Chino y Nacho, Phil Ware, Marie Séférian, David Pabón, Ronan Guilfoyle, the Venezuelan Symphonic Orchestra, the RTE orchestra, Oscarcito, Andy Duran, Simón Bolívar Big Band, and the legendary Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela, among many others.
Supported by three international music scholarships enabling studies in Cuba, Netherlands, Spain, and Ireland, plus five Music Bursaries, including the Music Capital Scheme by Music Network Ireland, Molina has built an extensive career as sideman and session musician. His performance resume spans prestigious venues including Jazz at Lincoln Center, The National Concert Hall, Teatro Teresa
Carreño, Jazz al Parque, Electric Picnic, Bray Jazz Festival, Cork Jazz Festival, among many others, with extensive touring across the United States, United Kingdom, Israel, Spain, Ireland, Cuba, Egypt, Netherlands, and Venezuela.
Central to his artistry is his mastery of both nylon-string classical and electric jazz guitars, instruments he wields with equal virtuosity to create his signature sound that bridges cultural traditions. This technical excellence serves his sophisticated compositional intelligence, which has expanded into film scoring, where his diverse musical background creates truly cinematic experiences.
Autorretrato en Tres Colores showcases Molina’s vision through an exceptional international ensemble featuring Matthew Jacobson (drums, Ireland), Scott Flanigan (piano, Northern Ireland), Cormac O’Brien (double bass, Ireland), Steve Welsh (saxophones, USA), and guest artists from Venezuela, Chile, Mexico, Lebanon, and Luxembourg. This debut solo work demonstrates his sophisticated approach to multicultural collaboration while establishing him as a distinctive voice in contemporary instrumental music and media composition.