Country

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United Kingdom

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Film

 

Gary Kettel was born on May 12, 1955, in London, England. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a professional percussionist and his mother a pianist. Kettel showed an early interest in music and began playing the drums at the age of six. Kettel's talent for percussion quickly became apparent, and he began studying with some of the best percussionists in the UK. He attended the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he studied under James Blades, one of the most renowned percussionists of the 20th century. After completing his studies, Kettel began his professional career as a percussionist. He quickly gained a reputation as one of the most talented percussionists in the UK, and he was soon in demand as a session musician. He played on numerous recordings for artists such as Elton John, David Bowie, and Kate Bush. In addition to his work as a session musician, Kettel also began performing with orchestras and other classical music ensembles. He played with the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the English National Opera, among others. One of Kettel's most notable performances was with the London Symphony Orchestra in 1983. He was the solo percussionist for the world premiere of composer John Williams' "Return of the Jedi" suite. The performance was a huge success, and Kettel's virtuosic playing was widely praised. Kettel's talent as a percussionist also earned him numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In 1985, he was awarded the prestigious Royal Philharmonic Society Award for Best Instrumentalist. He was also nominated for a Grammy Award in 1992 for his work on the soundtrack for the film "The Prince of Tides." In addition to his work as a performer, Kettel was also a respected teacher and mentor to young percussionists. He taught at the Royal Academy of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and he was known for his patient and encouraging teaching style. Sadly, Kettel's career was cut short when he was diagnosed with cancer in 2001. He continued to perform and teach for as long as he was able, but he passed away on December 12, 2003, at the age of 48. Despite his relatively short career, Gary Kettel left a lasting legacy as one of the most talented and respected percussionists of his generation. His virtuosic playing and dedication to his craft inspired countless musicians, and his contributions to the world of classical music will not be forgotten.

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