Genre

:

Chamber

 

Peggy Benkeser is a renowned classical percussionist and educator who has made significant contributions to the world of music. Born in 1953 in Atlanta, Georgia, Peggy grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to music from a young age. Her father was a jazz pianist, and her mother was a singer, so music was always a part of her life. Peggy began her musical journey by playing the piano, but she soon discovered her passion for percussion. She started playing the drums in high school and went on to study percussion at the University of Georgia. After completing her undergraduate degree, Peggy pursued a Master's degree in percussion performance at the University of Michigan. Throughout her career, Peggy has performed with some of the most prestigious orchestras and ensembles in the world. She has been a member of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra since 1987 and has also performed with the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, among others. In addition to her work as a performer, Peggy is also a dedicated educator. She has taught percussion at the University of Georgia, Georgia State University, and Emory University. She has also served as a clinician and guest artist at numerous universities and music festivals around the world. One of Peggy's most notable performances was her solo debut with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in 1990. She performed the world premiere of "Concerto for Percussion and Orchestra" by Michael Gandolfi, which was written specifically for her. The piece was well-received by both audiences and critics, and it helped establish Peggy as one of the leading percussionists of her generation. Over the years, Peggy has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to the world of music. In 1995, she was awarded the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's "Musician of the Year" award, and in 2001, she was named the "Georgia Musician of the Year" by the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. She has also been a recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Solo Recitalist Grant and the Atlanta Mayor's Fellowship in the Arts. In addition to her work as a performer and educator, Peggy is also a passionate advocate for new music. She has commissioned and premiered numerous works by contemporary composers, including Michael Gandolfi, John Harbison, and Jennifer Higdon. She has also collaborated with a variety of artists from different genres, including jazz pianist Marcus Roberts and singer-songwriter Shawn Mullins. Throughout her career, Peggy has remained committed to pushing the boundaries of classical music and expanding the role of percussion in orchestral and chamber music. Her dedication to her craft and her passion for music have made her one of the most respected and influential percussionists of her generation.

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