Noam Bierstone is a Canadian classical percussionist and conductor who has made a name for himself in the world of contemporary music. Born in Montreal, Quebec in 1987, Bierstone grew up in a musical family and began playing the drums at a young age. He went on to study percussion at McGill University, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 2009. After completing his undergraduate studies, Bierstone continued his education at the University of Toronto, where he earned a Master of Music degree in percussion performance. During his time at the University of Toronto, Bierstone became interested in contemporary music and began to explore the possibilities of percussion in this genre. Bierstone's interest in contemporary music led him to become a founding member of the TorQ Percussion Quartet, a group that specializes in contemporary percussion music. With TorQ, Bierstone has performed at major festivals and venues across Canada and the United States, including the Ottawa Chamberfest, the Toronto Summer Music Festival, and the Bang on a Can Marathon in New York City. In addition to his work with TorQ, Bierstone has also performed with a number of other ensembles, including the National Arts Centre Orchestra, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and the Esprit Orchestra. He has also collaborated with a number of composers, including John Luther Adams, Steve Reich, and John Cage. Bierstone's work as a conductor has also garnered attention in the classical music world. In 2015, he was appointed the conductor of the University of Toronto Percussion Ensemble, a position he held until 2018. During his time with the ensemble, Bierstone led them in performances of works by contemporary composers such as Steve Reich, John Cage, and Iannis Xenakis. One of the highlights of Bierstone's career came in 2017, when he was awarded the Canada Council for the Arts' Virginia Parker Prize. The prize is awarded annually to a young Canadian musician who shows exceptional talent and promise in the field of classical music. Bierstone was recognized for his work as a percussionist and conductor, as well as his contributions to the Canadian music scene. In addition to his work as a performer and conductor, Bierstone is also an educator. He has taught percussion at the University of Toronto and the Royal Conservatory of Music, and has given masterclasses and workshops at universities and music schools across Canada. Overall, Noam Bierstone is a talented and versatile musician who has made a significant impact on the world of contemporary classical music. His work as a percussionist, conductor, and educator has earned him numerous accolades and has helped to promote the growth and development of contemporary music in Canada and beyond.

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