Cultures in Harmony

STEPHEN SOLOOK, PERCUSSION

Critically acclaimed percussionist Stephen Solook is an active classical, world, and solo musician in New York City. Currently, Steve is the Principal Percussionist/Timpanist with Park Avenue Chamber Symphony, NY Repertory Orchestra, Ensemble 212 Orchestra, and works as a freelance percussionist for several other orchestras. As a chamber musician Steve is a member of the NY Composers Circle, the trio Tonal Center, and the duo Aurora Borealis. He has also been recorded with Cantori NY, under the baton of Mark Shapiro, with the Klezmer group, Klezmer Battery, and the Brass Band, Imperial Brass with Joseph Alessi as guest soloist. Recently, Mr. Solook has been working with the internationally renowned Jose Limon Dance Company, having performed with them in Dallas, Atlanta, and New York City on the major revival, Lament for Ignacio Sanchez Mejias. Steve has performed in concerts with such artists as Judy Collins, Lauren Flanigen, The Four Tops, Glen Velez, Bob Becker, and under such conductors as John Rutter, JoAnn Falletta, Paul Nadler, and Edwin Outwater.

As a soloist, Mr. Solook has worked consistently with rising composer Davide Zannoni. Under the baton of Yoon Jae Lee, with Ensemble 212 Orchestra, Steve gave the NY premiere of the Zannoni’s Concertino del’ Incenso for solo marimba and orchestra, and has recorded the concerto with the Mannes College of Music Orchestra, with David Hayes conducting. His duo Aurora Borealis gave the NY premiere of Zannoni’s Three Rossetti Songs, for vibes and soprano. Mr. Solook’s recording of Six Fleeting Moods for solo marimba can be found on Davide’s website at www.davidezannoni.com. Recently, Tonal Center premeired Zannoni’s new work, Archers of Solitude, written for the trio and the Mannes Percussion Ensemble, commissioned by James Preiss.

As an active commissioner of new music Steve has worked with such composers as Bruce Adolphe, Raphael Fusco, David Loeb, James Maxson, Osnat Netzer, Seth Rozanoff, Richard Russell, Jorge Sosa, Michaela Straub, and David Tcimpidis. Both his duo Aurora Borealis and trio Tonal Center have been featured in concerts sponsored by the Mannes Composition Department consisting of works specifically written for each group, by Mannes faculty, alumni, and students.

Steve received his bachelor degrees in performance and music education at Ithaca College, studying under Gordon Stout, and his Master of Music and Professional Studies Diploma at Mannes College, studying under James Preiss and Glen Velez.