PIERO GUIMARAES

Percussionist Piero Guimaraes stands at the forefront of a new generation of international performers specializing in orchestral and contemporary music. A native of Brazil, Guimaraes presented the Brazilian premiere of several pivotal works by influential composers including Iannis Xenakis, Steve Reich and Peter Eotvos. Guimaraes concertizes extensively, having made his mark in halls across the United States, Brazil, Austria, Germany, Spain, and Holland. A versatile player, Guimaraes is a frequent participant in orchestral and contemporary music festivals including The World Orchestra, International Ensemble Modern Academy, Pommersfelden Summer Akademy and the Percussive Arts Society International Convention. He has collaborated extensively with living composers, working with John Luther Adams, Heinz Holliger, and Kaija Saariaho to name only a few. Additionally, Guimaraes has performed under the baton of many world-renowned conductors including Maestro Kurt Mazur. Guimaraes earned his bachelor’s degree from Sao Paulo State University in Brazil and his master’s degree from SUNY Stony Brook in New York. He is presently a doctoral candidate in percussion performance under the instruction of Eduardo Leandro.

Around the New York contemporary music community, Guimaraes has performed at venues such as Merkin Hall, Symphony Space, and Roulette. In addition to his solo career, Guimaraes serves as a core member of the Iktus Percussion ensemble. Guimaraes and Iktus delivered both world premieres and presented master classes in the elite music departments of Queens College, Oberlin Conservatory, Michigan State University. the University of Michigan, and the University of Wisconsin at Madison. As a member of the duo What Where with French pianist Julia Den Boer, he was jointly awarded a prize winner in the coveted Ackerman Chamber Music Competition.