Genre

:

Chamber

 

Ian Cleworth is a renowned Australian percussionist and composer, known for his exceptional skills in playing a wide range of percussion instruments. He was born on August 22, 1960, in Sydney, Australia, and grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a classical pianist, which exposed him to music from an early age. Cleworth started playing percussion instruments at the age of 12, and by the time he was 16, he had already decided to pursue a career in music. He attended the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, where he studied percussion under the guidance of Richard Miller. He graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1982 and went on to complete a Master of Music degree in 1984. After completing his studies, Cleworth joined the Sydney Symphony Orchestra as a percussionist, where he played for several years. He also performed with other orchestras, including the Australian Chamber Orchestra and the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra. In addition to his work as an orchestral musician, Cleworth also performed with various contemporary music ensembles, including the Sydney Alpha Ensemble and the Australian Art Orchestra. In 1991, Cleworth co-founded the percussion ensemble Taikoz, along with fellow percussionists Riley Lee and Kaoru Watanabe. Taikoz is a unique ensemble that combines traditional Japanese taiko drumming with contemporary percussion techniques. The ensemble has since become one of Australia's most successful and innovative music groups, performing at major festivals and events around the world. Cleworth has composed several works for Taikoz, including "The Gathering," "The Beauty of Eight," and "The Seed." His compositions are known for their intricate rhythms, complex harmonies, and use of traditional Japanese instruments. Cleworth's music has been performed by Taikoz and other ensembles, including the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and the Australian Chamber Orchestra. In addition to his work as a performer and composer, Cleworth is also a respected music educator. He has taught percussion at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and the Australian Institute of Music. He has also conducted workshops and masterclasses around the world, sharing his knowledge and expertise with aspiring percussionists. Cleworth's contributions to the music industry have been recognized with several awards and honors. In 2005, he was awarded the prestigious Australia Council Fellowship for Music, which allowed him to travel to Japan to study traditional taiko drumming. In 2010, he was awarded the APRA/AMCOS Art Music Award for Excellence in Experimental Music for his work with Taikoz. Cleworth's performances with Taikoz have been highlights of his career. The ensemble has performed at major festivals and events around the world, including the Edinburgh Festival, the Hong Kong Arts Festival, and the Sydney Festival. They have also collaborated with other artists, including the Australian Chamber Orchestra and the Sydney Dance Company. Cleworth's music has been praised for its innovative approach to percussion and its ability to blend traditional Japanese music with contemporary techniques. His compositions have been performed by some of Australia's most respected music ensembles, and his work as a performer and educator has inspired countless aspiring percussionists.

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