William Chapman Nyaho is a Ghanaian-American pianist, composer, and educator who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on August 12, 1968, in Washington, D.C., Nyaho grew up in Ghana, where he began his musical training at the age of four. His parents, both educators, encouraged his interest in music, and he began taking piano lessons with a local teacher. Nyaho's talent was evident from an early age, and he quickly progressed in his studies. He went on to study at the Achimota School in Accra, Ghana, where he was introduced to a wide range of musical styles, including African music, classical music, and jazz. He continued his studies at the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, where he received a scholarship to study piano. After completing his studies at Interlochen, Nyaho went on to earn a Bachelor of Music degree from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Ohio. He then earned a Master of Music degree from the Indiana University School of Music, where he studied with renowned pianist Menahem Pressler. Nyaho's career as a pianist has been marked by numerous highlights and achievements. He has performed as a soloist with orchestras around the world, including the National Symphony Orchestra of Ghana, the St. Petersburg State Symphony Orchestra, and the Cleveland Orchestra. He has also given recitals at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Wigmore Hall in London. In addition to his work as a performer, Nyaho is also a composer and arranger. He has written numerous works for piano, including his acclaimed "African Suite," which incorporates elements of African music into classical piano music. He has also arranged traditional African songs for piano, which he has performed in concerts around the world. Nyaho's contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 1993, he was awarded the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, which is given to outstanding young musicians who show exceptional promise. He has also been awarded the Indiana University African American Arts Institute's Distinguished Alumni Award and the Ghanaian National Award for his contributions to music. In addition to his work as a performer and composer, Nyaho is also a dedicated educator. He has taught at numerous institutions, including the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, the University of Ghana, and the University of Cape Coast in Ghana. He is currently a professor of piano at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. Nyaho's commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity in classical music has been a driving force throughout his career. He has worked to bring attention to the contributions of African composers and musicians to classical music, and he has advocated for greater representation of musicians of color in the classical music world. In 2018, Nyaho published a groundbreaking book titled "Piano Music of Africa and the African Diaspora," which features a collection of piano music by African and African diaspora composers. The book has been widely praised for its contributions to the field of classical music and its efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity. In summary, William Chapman Nyaho is a pianist, composer, and educator who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music.

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