Birth

:

1974

 

Nick Cords is a renowned violist and chamber musician who has made a significant impact on the classical music scene. Born in 1970 in New York City, Cords grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to classical music from a young age. His father was a violinist and his mother was a pianist, and they encouraged him to pursue music as a career. Cords began playing the viola at the age of 10 and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. He studied with Karen Tuttle at the Juilliard School and later with Michael Tree at the Curtis Institute of Music. He also received guidance from other notable musicians such as Isaac Stern, Pinchas Zukerman, and Yo-Yo Ma. In 1996, Cords co-founded the string quartet Brooklyn Rider, which quickly gained a reputation for its innovative programming and dynamic performances. The quartet has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including banjo player Béla Fleck, singer-songwriter Gabriel Kahane, and Iranian kamancheh player Kayhan Kalhor. They have also commissioned numerous new works from composers such as Philip Glass, Vijay Iyer, and Colin Jacobsen. Cords has also been a member of the Silk Road Ensemble since 2000, a group founded by Yo-Yo Ma that explores the intersections of different musical traditions. With the ensemble, Cords has performed all over the world and collaborated with musicians from countries such as China, India, and Iran. In addition to his work with Brooklyn Rider and the Silk Road Ensemble, Cords has performed as a soloist with orchestras such as the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Minnesota Orchestra, and the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. He has also been a guest artist with numerous chamber music groups, including the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and the Guarneri Quartet. Cords has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In 2002, he was awarded the Avery Fisher Career Grant, which recognizes outstanding young musicians. He has also been a recipient of the Chamber Music America Residency Partnership Program and the Caramoor Virtuosi Award. Cords is known for his virtuosic playing and his ability to bring out the emotional depth of the music he performs. He is also highly regarded for his commitment to new music and his willingness to collaborate with artists from different genres and cultures. In addition to his performing career, Cords is also a dedicated teacher. He has taught at institutions such as the Juilliard School, the Curtis Institute of Music, and the New England Conservatory of Music. He is currently on the faculty of the Yale School of Music. Overall, Nick Cords is a musician who has made a significant impact on the classical music world. His innovative programming, virtuosic playing, and commitment to collaboration and new music have earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting and dynamic musicians of his generation.

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