Cellist Jeffrey Zeigler, Steel Pannist Andy Akiho Join ProMusica for December Concerts
The concert will premiere the orchestra’s 71st commissioned work, a concerto by Andy Akiho
(Columbus, OH) – ProMusica Chamber Orchestra will welcome cellist Jeffrey Zeigler and steel pannist Andy Akiho for their Dec. 14-15 concert series at the Southern Theatre, Akiho & Beethoven. Led by Music Director David Danzmayr, the program will feature Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4, Akiho’s Concerto Fantasy for Steel Pans and Orchestra, and Akiho’s Cello Concerto, Nisei. Nisei will be ProMusica’s 71st commissioned work*, written specifically for Zeigler.
“We are proud to continue to highlight today’s living composers through our Composer/ Performer Project, adding to our robust and diverse list of commissioned works,” said Janet Chen, ProMusica’s CEO. “We are delighted to welcome back Andy Akiho as our Composer/Performer and look forward to premiering his new work alongside cellist Jeffery Zeigler.”
Akiho and Zeigler are close friends and collaborators and have a shared heritage as second-generation Japanese Americans. Their shared culture provided inspiration for Nisei, the Japanese term for “second generation,” which will be performed by Zeigler alongside the orchestra. Akiho will also join the orchestra for his own concerto Fantasy for Steel Pans and Orchestra. Beethoven’s bold and cheerful Symphony No. 4 will close the program, blending the classical with the contemporary.
Akiho is a Pulitzer Prize finalist and five-time GRAMMY-nominated composer whose bold works are known for surpassing preconceived boundaries of classical music. Known as “an increasingly in-demand composer” (The New York Times), Akiho has earned international acclaim for his large-scale works. He is the only composer to be nominated for a GRAMMY in the Best Contemporary Classical Composition category in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Akiho spent most of his 20s playing steel pan by ear in Trinidad and New York City and began composing at 28; his social roots laid the foundation for his current practice, where he writes for people, not just instruments.
Acclaimed for his independent streak, Zeigler has commissioned dozens of works and is admired as a potent collaborator and unique improviser. As a member of the internationally renowned Kronos Quartet from 2005-2013, Zeigler is the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Avery Fisher Prize and the President’s Merit Award from the National Academy of Recorded Arts (GRAMMYs). Following his tenure with Kronos, his career led to collaborations with a wide array of artists such as Laurie Anderson, Philip Glass, Hauschka, Yo-Yo Ma, and more. Zeigler has also performed as a soloist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Toronto Symphony, the Royal Danish Radio Symphony, and several others.
Additional information about Akiho & Beethoven is available at promusicacolumbus.org.
*Nisei was commissioned by the Sun Valley Music Festival, the Oregon Symphony, ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, the Bozeman Symphony, and the South Carolina Philharmonic.
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TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets for Akiho & Beethoven range from $18-$64 and Try Three Packages for the 2024-25 ProMusica season are still available. Tickets are on sale through the ProMusica Box Office at 614.464.0066 ext. 101 and online at promusicacolumbus.org via Ticketmaster.
ABOUT PROMUSICA
ProMusica Chamber Orchestra delivers a world-class and unique classical music experience—through innovative chamber orchestra programming, education outreach, audience intimacy, and artistic excellence. Recognized for its commitment to performing new and contemporary repertoire, ProMusica has commissioned 72 new works and has presented more than 120 world and regional premieres.
Bringing worldwide talent to Columbus since 1978, ProMusica offers an adventurous musical experience through intimate performances on the stage of the historic Southern Theatre. The orchestra, comprised of 37 musicians, showcases homegrown talents, rising stars, and guest artists of international acclaim. Beyond the concert hall, the orchestra is equally at home throughout the community, serving thousands of individuals through key education and outreach programs. Known for its dual traditions of artistic integrity and fiscal responsibility, ProMusica is now in its 46th season.
ProMusica’s 2024-2025 season is supported by the Greater Columbus Arts Council, The Columbus Foundation, the Ohio Arts Council, the Reinberger Foundation, and the ProMusica Sustaining Board. Media support is provided by WOSU Classical 101 FM.
