Kuyumcuyan Emil

Emil Kuyumcuyan

Background and Artistic Profile

Born in Istanbul in 1993, Emil Kuyumcuyan is one of the most versatile artists in the percussion scene. With Croatian, Greek, Armenian, and African heritage, he blends influences of contemporary classical music, jazz, and Anatolian traditions. In addition to performing, he is active as a composer and electronic musician.

International Performances

Kuyumcuyan appears worldwide as a soloist and chamber musician. He has collaborated with the Asko|Schönberg Ensemble, the Chœur de Radio France, and Les Percussions de Strasbourg, and has performed with the Ensemble Intercontemporain, Ensemble Modern, the Boulez Ensemble, the Orchestre National de France, and the Paris Opera. His programs range from Bach to world premieres and his own works.

Competitions and Recognition

He received first prize at the Tromp International Percussion Competition in 2016, one of the most prestigious contests for percussion. He also won the Stockholm International Music Competition and was awarded at the International Percussion Competition Luxembourg. His artistry has been further supported by the Yamaha Foundation Europe, the Baden-Württemberg Arts Foundation, and the DAAD.

Composition and Projects

Kuyumcuyan’s creative output extends beyond performance. In 2019 he presented I S T A N B U L | the roots, an audiovisual performance inspired by his home city. His debut electronic album, It’s Not About Me (WIC Recordings, 2023), combines IDM and Drum and Bass with classical elements. He has received commissions from institutions including Philharmonie Cologne (KoelnMusik), the IPEA Competition Shanghai, and the World Marimba Competition Stuttgart.

Academic Career

Since 2023 Kuyumcuyan has been Professor of Percussion at the Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts (HfMDK). He also teaches at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester and is frequently invited as a jury member at international competitions. His teaching and masterclasses reach audiences in Europe, Asia, and the United States.

Video with Emil Kuyumcuyan:

A Look into Emil's Setup

Multi-Percussion-Mallets "Psappha" by Emil Kuyumcuyan

These mallets were developed together with Kolberg artist Emil Kuyumcuyan for his interpretation of Iannis Xenakis' work "Psappha".

The versatility of the mallets in terms of sound character and possible uses was important to us. The core is a high quality extra hard plastic ball, which is wrapped with white wool. Due to the two-tone character, soft, fine as well as very powerful and loud passages can be played with the same mallets.

Thanks to the elastic rattan handle, they offer a very good feel and develop an optimal sound culture with almost no disturbing impact noise. Ideal also for other multi-percussion works and for use in orchestral and chamber music.

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Photo Credits: Venera Red