Emil Kuyumcuyan

Istanbul-born Emil Kuyumcuyan (kuːjuːmdʒuːjɑːn) is a percussionist, composer and electronic musician with Croatian, Greek, Armenian, and African roots. His original identity as a musician is shaped by influences of contemporary-classical, jazz and Anatolian music, which blend into a unique performing language. In 2023 he released his first electronic album, It's Not About Me, by WIC Recordings, which incorporates elements of IDM and Drum and Bass while still showcasing his classical music background. He also composes for diverse instrumental and electronic formations and has received commissions from the Philharmonie Cologne (KoelnMusik), Kunststiftung Baden-Württemberg, IPEA Competition Shanghai, and the World Marimba Competition Stuttgart. The acclaimed percussionist won first prize at the Tromp International Percussion Competition. His other accolades include first prize as a soloist at the Stockholm International Music Competition and a prize for his trio at the International Percussion Competition Luxembourg. Emil tours as a soloist; he creates concert programs consisting of percussion music with new commissions, existing repertoire and his own compositions. He performed as a soloist with AskoSchönberg Ensemble and Choeur de Radio France. He also tours as a member of Les Percussions de Strasbourg and Trio K/D/M and as a guest performer with ensembles including Ensemble Intercontemporain, Ensemble Modern, Orchestre National de France and Slagwerk Den Haag to name a few.