Thomas Piercy is a renowned classical music artist who has made a name for himself as a clarinetist, saxophonist, and conductor. Born in New York City, Piercy grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to music from a young age. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a classical pianist, so it was only natural that Piercy would develop a love for music. Piercy began his musical training at the age of six, studying piano with his mother. He later took up the clarinet and saxophone, and by the time he was a teenager, he was already performing in local bands and orchestras. Piercy went on to study at the Manhattan School of Music, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in clarinet performance. After completing his studies, Piercy began his professional career as a freelance musician, performing with various orchestras and ensembles in New York City. He quickly gained a reputation as a talented and versatile musician, and his career began to take off. In 1995, Piercy was appointed principal clarinetist of the New York City Opera, a position he held for six years. During his time with the New York City Opera, Piercy had the opportunity to perform in some of the world's most prestigious opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Teatro alla Scala in Milan. He also performed with the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, among others. In addition to his work as a clarinetist, Piercy is also an accomplished saxophonist. He has performed with some of the world's leading jazz musicians, including Wynton Marsalis, Benny Golson, and Clark Terry. Piercy's versatility as a musician has made him a sought-after performer in both classical and jazz circles. Piercy has also made a name for himself as a conductor. He has conducted numerous orchestras and ensembles, including the New York City Opera Orchestra, the New York Symphonic Ensemble, and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. In 2009, Piercy founded the Tokyo Sinfonia, a chamber orchestra based in Tokyo that performs a wide range of classical and contemporary music. Throughout his career, Piercy has received numerous awards and accolades for his work as a musician. In 1999, he was awarded the Richard F. Gold Career Grant from the Shoshana Foundation, which recognizes outstanding young artists in the performing arts. In 2003, he was awarded the Aaron Copland Fund for Music Recording Grant, which supported the recording of his debut album, "Clarinet Quintets." Piercy has also been recognized for his work as a conductor. In 2010, he was awarded the Japan-America Society of Hawaii's Bridge Award, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to promoting cultural exchange between Japan and the United States. In addition to his work as a performer and conductor, Piercy is also a dedicated music educator. He has taught at numerous institutions, including the Manhattan School of Music, the New York Summer Music Festival, and the Tokyo College of Music. He is currently a faculty member at the Toho Gakuen School of Music in Tokyo. In conclusion, Thomas Piercy is a highly accomplished classical music artist who has made a significant impact on the world of music.

More....