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Composer Performer

 

Jessika Kenney is a renowned classical music artist who has made a name for herself in the world of traditional and contemporary music. Born in Seattle, Washington, in 1976, Kenney grew up in a family that valued music and the arts. Her mother was a pianist, and her father was a visual artist, which exposed her to different forms of art from a young age. Kenney's interest in music began at an early age, and she started singing in choirs and taking piano lessons. However, it was not until she discovered the music of the Middle East and Central Asia that she found her true calling. She was fascinated by the intricate melodies and rhythms of these regions and began studying the music of Iran, Turkey, and Afghanistan. Kenney's passion for this music led her to travel to Iran, where she studied with some of the country's most renowned musicians. She also studied with the late Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, a legendary Indian classical musician, and composer. These experiences helped shape her unique style, which blends traditional Persian and Indian classical music with contemporary Western music. Kenney's career as a classical music artist began in the early 2000s when she started performing in Seattle and other parts of the United States. Her performances were well-received, and she quickly gained a reputation as a talented and innovative musician. In 2005, she released her debut album, "Atria," which received critical acclaim and helped establish her as a rising star in the world of classical music. Over the years, Kenney has performed at some of the world's most prestigious venues, including the Lincoln Center in New York, the Barbican Centre in London, and the Sydney Opera House in Australia. She has also collaborated with a wide range of musicians, including the Kronos Quartet, the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, and the Iranian musician Hossein Omoumi. One of the highlights of Kenney's career was her performance at the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, China. She was invited to perform as part of the United States Pavilion's cultural program, where she showcased her unique blend of traditional and contemporary music to an international audience. In addition to her performances, Kenney has also received numerous awards and accolades for her work. In 2011, she was awarded a fellowship from the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, which is one of the most prestigious awards in the arts. The fellowship allowed her to continue her research and exploration of traditional music from around the world. Kenney has also been recognized for her contributions to the world of classical music. In 2016, she was awarded the Artist Trust Fellowship, which is given to artists who have made significant contributions to their field. She was also named a finalist for the 2017 Pulitzer Prize in Music for her album "The Eye of the Day," which was a collaboration with the composer Eyvind Kang. Today, Kenney continues to perform and record music, and she remains committed to exploring the rich traditions of classical music from around the world. Her unique style and innovative approach have earned her a place among the most respected and influential classical music artists of her generation.

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