Role

:

Composer Performer

Birth

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February 7, 1979 in Columbia, SC

 

Andy Akiho is a contemporary classical music composer, percussionist, and steelpan player. He was born on January 1, 1979, in Columbia, South Carolina, to a Japanese father and a Korean mother. Akiho grew up in a musical family, and his parents encouraged him to pursue music from a young age. He started playing the piano at the age of six and later learned to play the steelpan, a percussion instrument that originated in Trinidad and Tobago. Akiho attended the University of South Carolina, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in percussion performance. He then went on to pursue a Master of Music degree in composition at the Yale School of Music. During his time at Yale, Akiho studied with renowned composers such as Martin Bresnick, David Lang, and Christopher Theofanidis. Akiho's music is known for its unique blend of classical, jazz, and world music influences. He often incorporates the steelpan into his compositions, which gives his music a distinctive sound. Akiho's compositions have been performed by some of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the National Symphony Orchestra, and the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra. One of Akiho's most notable works is his concerto for steelpan and orchestra, titled "Ricochet." The piece was commissioned by the New York Philharmonic and premiered in 2014 with Akiho as the soloist. "Ricochet" is a virtuosic showcase for the steelpan, featuring complex rhythms and intricate melodies. The piece has been praised for its innovative use of the steelpan in a classical music context. Another notable work by Akiho is his percussion quartet, "LIgNEouS Suite." The piece was commissioned by the Chamber Music America Classical Commissioning Program and premiered in 2012. "LIgNEouS Suite" is a high-energy work that showcases Akiho's skill as a percussionist and composer. The piece features a variety of percussion instruments, including marimbas, vibraphones, and drums, and incorporates elements of jazz and world music. In addition to his work as a composer, Akiho is also an accomplished performer. He has performed as a soloist with the New York Philharmonic, the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, and the National Symphony Orchestra, among others. Akiho is also a member of the ensemble Sandbox Percussion, which has performed at venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Center. Akiho has received numerous awards and honors for his work as a composer. In 2014, he was named a recipient of the prestigious Rome Prize, which is awarded to artists and scholars who show exceptional promise in their fields. Akiho has also received commissions from organizations such as the American Composers Orchestra, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. In addition to his work as a composer and performer, Akiho is also an educator. He has taught at the University of Virginia and the Yale School of Music, and has given masterclasses and workshops at institutions such as the Juilliard School and the Manhattan School of Music. Overall, Andy Akiho is a talented and innovative composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His unique blend of classical, jazz, and world music influences, combined with his virtuosic skill as a percussionist and composer, has earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting and original voices in contemporary classical music.

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