Tom Kolor is a renowned percussionist and composer in the world of classical music. Born in 1979 in New York City, Kolor 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, and they both encouraged Kolor to pursue music as a career. Kolor began his musical training at the age of six, studying piano and percussion. He showed a natural talent for percussion and quickly became proficient in a variety of instruments, including the marimba, vibraphone, and timpani. He also studied composition and music theory, which would later become an important part of his career. After completing his undergraduate studies at the Manhattan School of Music, Kolor went on to earn a Master of Music degree from the Juilliard School. During his time at Juilliard, Kolor studied with some of the most renowned percussionists in the world, including Steven Schick and Daniel Druckman. Kolor's career as a performer began to take off in the early 2000s, when he began performing with some of the most prestigious orchestras in the world. He has performed with the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, among others. He has also performed as a soloist with many of these orchestras, showcasing his virtuosic skills on the marimba and other percussion instruments. One of Kolor's most notable performances was his solo performance of John Cage's "Third Construction" at the Lincoln Center in 2008. The performance was widely praised for its technical precision and musicality, and cemented Kolor's reputation as one of the most talented percussionists of his generation. In addition to his work as a performer, Kolor is also an accomplished composer. He has written works for solo percussion, chamber ensembles, and orchestras, and his compositions have been performed by some of the most respected musicians in the world. His music is known for its intricate rhythms and use of unconventional percussion instruments, such as flower pots and brake drums. Kolor has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In 2006, he was awarded the Avery Fisher Career Grant, which is given to outstanding young musicians who show exceptional promise for a career in classical music. He has also been a recipient of the Chamber Music America Classical Commissioning Program, which supports the creation of new works by American composers. Despite his success, Kolor remains dedicated to his craft and continues to push the boundaries of classical music. He is known for his innovative approach to percussion and his willingness to experiment with new sounds and techniques. He is also a passionate advocate for contemporary classical music, and has worked to promote the work of young composers through his performances and recordings. In conclusion, Tom Kolor is a highly respected percussionist and composer who has made a significant impact on the world of classical music. His virtuosic performances and innovative compositions have earned him numerous awards and accolades, and he continues to be a driving force in the world of contemporary classical music.

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