Emil Kuyumcuyan

Emil Kuyumcuyan (born 1993) is a percussionist, composer, electronic musician, and professor from Istanbul. His work is influenced by a blend of contemporary classical, jazz and Anatolian music, resulting in a unique performing style. Emil has received recognition for his inventive approach to music and ability to integrate numerous genres and influences as a drummer, composer, and electronic artist.

Emil Kuyumcuyan
Origin	Istanbul, Turkey
Genres	Contemporary-classical, Jazz, Anatolian
Years active	2010 (2010)–present
Website	emilkuyumcuyan.com

Early life and education

Born in Istanbul, Emil grew up in a musically inclined household, exposed to various genres from an early age. He began his musical education at the Mimar Sinan State Conservatory in Istanbul, initially studying trombone before discovering his true passion for percussion. During his time at the conservatory, he delved into the rich classical music culture and theory while also drawing inspiration from metal, jazz, and contemporary artists like Metallica, Iron Maiden, Dave Holland, and Pierre Boulez. Emil continued his studies in percussion at the State University of Music and Performing Arts in Stuttgart, Germany. He furthered his musical journey in France at the National High Conservatory Of Music And Dance Of Lyon. These educational experiences provided Emil with a strong foundation in percussion performance and a platform to explore his artistic inclinations.

Career

Emil's career spans a wide range of musical pursuits and collaborations. He frequently performs as a soloist, presenting concert programs that feature commissioned works, existing repertoire, and his own compositions. Emil has performed as a soloist with prestigious ensembles such as AskoSchönberg Ensemble and Choeur de Radio France. He is also a member of Les Percussions de Strasbourg and Trio K/D/M, showcasing his versatility as a chamber musician. In addition to his live performances, Emil actively engages in composition, creating instrumental and electronic music for different ensembles. He has received commissions from esteemed institutions and competitions, including the Kölner Philharmonie, Kunststiftung Baden-Württemberg, IPEA Competition Shanghai, and the World Marimba Competition Stuttgart. Emil's compositions reflect his eclectic musical background, incorporating elements from various genres and traditions. Emil worked as a tutor at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, England, and currently is a Professor for Percussion at the Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts.

Awards

Emil has received numerous International accolades. He achieved first prize at the Tromp International Percussion Competition, one of the most prestigious international competitions focusing on percussion. His exceptional solo performances also earned him first prize at the Stockholm International Music Competition. Notably, Emil's trio received recognition at the International Percussion Competition Luxembourg.

Selected works

In 2023, Emil released his first electronic album titled "It's Not About Me" under the label WIC Recordings. The album showcases his classical music background while incorporating elements of Intelligent Dance Music and Drum and Bass. This unique fusion exemplifies Emil's ability to transcend genres and create captivating musical experiences. "Istanbul, the roots" is another multimedia performance created by Emil Kuyumcuyan. It is an audiovisual creation that draws inspiration from the city of Istanbul. The performance combines various artistic elements, including music, visuals, and storytelling, to explore the cultural heritage, diversity, and historical significance of Istanbul.