Thomas Burritt is a renowned classical music artist who has made a significant impact in the world of percussion. Born in 1964 in Lubbock, Texas, Burritt grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a band director, and his mother was a pianist. As a child, Burritt was exposed to a wide range of music genres, including classical, jazz, and rock. He started playing the drums at the age of 10 and quickly developed a passion for percussion. Burritt attended Texas Tech University, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Percussion Performance. He then went on to pursue a Master of Music degree at the University of North Texas, where he studied with renowned percussionist Leigh Howard Stevens. During his time at UNT, Burritt developed a deep understanding of the marimba, which would become his primary instrument. After completing his studies, Burritt began his professional career as a percussionist. He performed with various orchestras and ensembles, including the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, and the Percussion Group Cincinnati. He also served as the principal percussionist for the Austin Symphony Orchestra for 17 years. In addition to his work as an orchestral percussionist, Burritt has also established himself as a solo artist. He has performed recitals and concerts all over the world, showcasing his virtuosic marimba playing. Some of his most notable performances include his debut recital at Carnegie Hall in 2005 and his performance of John Corigliano's "Conjurer" with the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 2018. Burritt has also been recognized for his contributions to the world of percussion. He has won numerous awards and competitions, including the prestigious Percussive Arts Society International Solo Marimba Competition in 1998. He has also been a featured artist at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention multiple times. In addition to his performing career, Burritt is also a respected educator. He has taught at various universities, including the University of Texas at Austin, the University of North Texas, and the University of Michigan. He is currently a professor of percussion at the University of Texas at Austin, where he has been on the faculty since 2000. Burritt's contributions to the world of percussion have been significant. He has expanded the repertoire for the marimba, commissioning and premiering works by some of the most prominent composers of our time, including John Corigliano, Michael Torke, and Alejandro Viñao. He has also been a champion of new music, collaborating with composers to create new works for percussion. Overall, Thomas Burritt is a highly respected and accomplished classical music artist. His virtuosic marimba playing and contributions to the world of percussion have earned him a place among the most prominent musicians of our time.

More....