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Andrew McKenna Lee is a classical music artist who has made a name for himself as a virtuoso guitarist and composer. Born in 1981 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Lee grew up in a musical family and began playing the guitar at a young age. He was inspired by his father, who was a jazz guitarist, and his mother, who was a classical pianist. Lee's early musical education was focused on jazz and rock music, but he soon became interested in classical guitar. He studied with renowned guitarists such as Sharon Isbin and Manuel Barrueco, and earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore, Maryland. After completing his undergraduate studies, Lee continued his education at the University of Southern California, where he earned a Master of Music degree in guitar performance. He also studied composition with Stephen Hartke and Morten Lauridsen, and developed a passion for creating his own music. Lee's career as a performer and composer began to take off in the early 2000s. He won several prestigious awards, including the Guitar Foundation of America International Solo Competition and the Aaron Copland Award for Composition. He also performed at major venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center, and collaborated with renowned musicians such as cellist Yo-Yo Ma and composer John Williams. One of Lee's most notable performances was his debut at Carnegie Hall in 2007. He performed a program of classical guitar music that included works by Bach, Sor, and Ponce, as well as his own compositions. The concert was well-received by critics and audiences alike, and established Lee as a rising star in the classical music world. In addition to his performances as a soloist, Lee has also collaborated with a variety of ensembles and orchestras. He has performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic, among others. He has also worked with contemporary music ensembles such as the Bang on a Can All-Stars and the Kronos Quartet. Lee's compositions have been performed by a variety of musicians and ensembles, including the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet and the Pacifica Quartet. His music is known for its blend of classical and contemporary influences, and its use of unconventional techniques and instruments. One of Lee's most notable compositions is his guitar concerto, "Lament and Prayer," which was commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic and premiered in 2012. The piece is a tribute to Lee's father, who passed away in 2009, and incorporates elements of jazz and rock music as well as classical guitar. Lee's career as a performer and composer continues to thrive. He has released several albums of his own music, including "Knives Out" and "Gravity and Air," and has collaborated with a variety of musicians and ensembles. He is also a dedicated educator, and has taught at institutions such as the University of Southern California and the University of Denver. Overall, Andrew McKenna Lee is a talented and versatile musician who has made significant contributions to the classical music world. His performances and compositions are known for their technical virtuosity, emotional depth, and innovative spirit, and he continues to inspire and challenge audiences with his music.

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