Role

:

Composer Conductor Performer

Genre

:

Chamber

 

William Cahn is a renowned classical music artist who has made significant contributions to the world of percussion. Born on August 18, 1946, in New York City, Cahn grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist. Cahn started playing the piano at the age of five, but he soon discovered his passion for percussion instruments. Cahn's interest in percussion led him to study at the Manhattan School of Music, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1968. He then went on to pursue a Master of Music degree at the Juilliard School, where he studied with Saul Goodman, the principal timpanist of the New York Philharmonic. Cahn's talent and dedication to his craft were evident from an early age, and he quickly established himself as a rising star in the world of classical music. Cahn's career as a percussionist took off in the 1970s when he joined the NEXUS percussion ensemble. NEXUS was founded in 1971 by a group of percussionists who shared a passion for exploring the possibilities of percussion instruments in classical music. Cahn quickly became an integral part of the group, and his contributions helped to establish NEXUS as one of the most innovative and influential percussion ensembles of the time. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Cahn and NEXUS performed extensively throughout North America and Europe, collaborating with some of the most prominent composers and musicians of the time. They also recorded several albums, including "Nexus Plays Cage," which featured the music of avant-garde composer John Cage. In addition to his work with NEXUS, Cahn also established himself as a solo performer and educator. He taught percussion at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, from 1976 to 1995, and he has also taught at the Juilliard School and the Manhattan School of Music. Cahn's dedication to education and his passion for percussion have inspired countless students and aspiring musicians over the years. Cahn's career as a percussionist has been marked by numerous highlights and achievements. In 1989, he was awarded the Percussive Arts Society's Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his contributions to the field of percussion. He has also been a featured soloist with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. One of Cahn's most memorable performances took place in 1991, when he performed the world premiere of Steve Reich's "Mallet Quartet" with NEXUS at the Lincoln Center in New York City. The piece, which was commissioned by NEXUS, was a groundbreaking work that showcased the possibilities of percussion instruments in contemporary classical music. Cahn's contributions to the world of percussion have been recognized by his peers and colleagues in the music industry. He has served as the president of the Percussive Arts Society and has been a member of the organization's board of directors. He has also been a member of the advisory board for the Zildjian Cymbal Company, one of the world's leading manufacturers of percussion instruments. Despite his many achievements, Cahn remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to perform and teach, inspiring a new generation of percussionists to explore the possibilities of percussion instruments in classical music.

More....