Maggie Parkins is a renowned cellist and contemporary music performer, known for her virtuosic playing and innovative approach to classical music. Born in 1961 in Los Angeles, California, Parkins began her musical education at a young age, studying piano and cello with her mother, a professional cellist. She went on to attend the University of Southern California, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in cello performance. After completing her undergraduate studies, Parkins continued her musical education at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, where she studied with renowned cellist Bernard Greenhouse. During this time, she also began to explore contemporary music and improvisation, working with composers and performers such as John Zorn, Anthony Braxton, and George Lewis. In the years that followed, Parkins established herself as a leading performer in the contemporary music scene, collaborating with a wide range of composers and ensembles. She has performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the San Francisco Symphony, and the New York Philharmonic, among others, and has appeared at major festivals such as the Tanglewood Music Festival and the Ojai Music Festival. One of Parkins' most notable collaborations has been with the Kronos Quartet, a renowned contemporary music ensemble. She has performed with the group on numerous occasions, including a 2003 performance of Steve Reich's "Triple Quartet" at Carnegie Hall. Parkins has also worked extensively with composer John Zorn, performing on many of his recordings and participating in his Masada project, which explores Jewish music traditions. In addition to her work as a performer, Parkins is also an accomplished educator and mentor. She has taught at the California Institute of the Arts and the University of California, San Diego, and has served as a mentor to many young musicians and composers. Throughout her career, Parkins has received numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to the world of contemporary music. In 1999, she was awarded a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, and in 2003, she received a Grammy Award for her work on the Kronos Quartet's album "Nuevo." She has also been recognized for her contributions to the Los Angeles music scene, receiving the City of Los Angeles Artist Fellowship in 2005. Despite her many accomplishments, Parkins remains committed to pushing the boundaries of classical music and exploring new forms of expression. She continues to perform and collaborate with a wide range of artists, and her innovative approach to music has inspired countless musicians and audiences around the world.

More....