Role

:

Conductor  

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Miguel Bernat is a renowned classical music artist who has made a significant contribution to the world of percussion. He was born on December 22, 1953, in Valencia, Spain. From a young age, Bernat showed a keen interest in music, and his parents encouraged him to pursue his passion. Bernat began his musical journey by learning to play the piano, but he soon discovered his love for percussion instruments. He started taking lessons in percussion and soon became proficient in playing the drums, marimba, vibraphone, and other percussion instruments. In 1972, Bernat joined the Valencia Conservatory of Music, where he studied under the guidance of renowned percussionist Vicente Llimerá. He graduated with honors in 1976 and went on to pursue further studies in percussion at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Brussels, Belgium. After completing his studies, Bernat began his professional career as a percussionist. He joined the Valencia Symphony Orchestra in 1978 and played with them for several years. He also performed with other orchestras in Spain and Europe, including the Spanish National Orchestra, the Barcelona Symphony Orchestra, and the Brussels Philharmonic. Bernat's talent and dedication to his craft soon caught the attention of the international music community. He was invited to perform at several prestigious music festivals, including the Salzburg Festival, the Edinburgh International Festival, and the Berliner Festwochen. In 1983, Bernat founded the percussion ensemble Nexus, along with Bob Becker, Robin Engelman, Russell Hartenberger, and Bill Cahn. The group quickly gained popularity for their innovative and dynamic performances, which combined classical music with world music and jazz. Nexus went on to perform at some of the world's most renowned concert halls, including Carnegie Hall, the Royal Albert Hall, and the Sydney Opera House. They also collaborated with several famous musicians, including Steve Reich, John Cage, and Toru Takemitsu. Bernat's contributions to the world of percussion have been recognized with several awards and honors. In 1999, he was awarded the National Music Prize by the Spanish Ministry of Culture. He was also awarded the Medal of Honor by the City of Valencia in 2003. In addition to his work as a performer, Bernat is also a respected educator. He has taught percussion at several music schools and universities, including the Royal Conservatory of Music in Brussels, the University of Toronto, and the Valencia Conservatory of Music. Bernat's legacy as a percussionist and educator continues to inspire young musicians around the world. His dedication to his craft and his innovative approach to music have made him one of the most respected and influential percussionists of his generation.

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