Percussionist
Date of Birth: January 20, 1963
Nationality: Chilean
E-Mail: ukenagashi@gmail.com
Performing Career
1976 – 1981
At the age of 13 becomes member of 'Rhythmus' Percussion Enssemble (group composed only by advanced students) at Facultad de Artes at Universidad de Chile. Tours throughout the country. He is considered an upcoming talent.
1980 - 1981
Becomes the youngest member of Latin American folk music band 'Cruz del Sur'
1982 – 1988
Performs at Orquesta Filarmónica de Chile del Teatro Municipal
1988 – 2006
Appointed Principal Timpani at Orquesta Filarmónica de Chile del Teatro Municipal
1992 – 1995
Becomes Percussion Instructor at Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional Juvenil (National Youth Symphony Orchestra)
1990 – 2008
Also invited to perform with many different prestigious orchestras throughout the country; Orquesta de Cámara de Chile, Orquesta de Concepción, Orquesta Sinfónica de Chile, Orquesta Sinfónica de Antofagasta, Orquesta Universidad de Santiago de Chile
2003
Perrforms at Ópera Festival, Savolina, Finland, with Orquesta Filarmónica de Chile
1990 – 2007
Percussion private teaching. Among his students are Mr. Patricio Hernández and Mr. Mario Baeza, Presently Percussion Professors at Facultad de Artes, Universidad de Chile.
1996
Teaching position for a semester on Cátedra de Percusión at Facultad de Artes de la Universidad de Chile
1988 – 2007
AIKIDO Instructor, 2nd Dan,
2000 – 2006
Performs with Ismael Torres’ Big Band
2000 – 2007
Performs with Bronces Filarmónicos
2005 – 2006
Performs as principal timpany and row percussionist with Orquesta Sinfónica de Concepción.
2007
Produces background music for short stories for children for Editorial Pehuén, a Chilean publishing company. Sponsored by Ministry of Education.
2007
Develops percussion program for blind students as a therapeutic support at Escuela Santa Lucía de Gran Avenida, an elementary school.
1990 – 2007
Records for Mr. Alejandro Guarello for Festival de Música Contemporánea de la Universidad Católica.
2007
Performs at musical show “Chile Canta Contigo” at Estadio Nacional before Mrs. President Michelle Bachellet and Minister of Culture Mrs. Paulina Urrutia and “Carnavales Culturales de Valparaíso” a musical and drama festival, along with well-known Chilean bands; Congreso, Inti Illimani, Illapu, among others.
Studies and Education
1971 – 1976
Elementary School – Colegio San Antonio – Padres Capuchinos
1977 – 1980
Secondary School – Instituto de Estudios Secundarios de la Universidad de Chile (ISUCH)
1975 – 1982
Studies Interpretación Superior con mención en Percusión. Facultad de Artes Universidad de Chile. Percussion studies.
1992
Performs at Pacific Music Festival, Sapporo, Japan
Attends percussion workshops and clinics with Kurt Prihoda and Bruno Artl; Viena Philarmony Orchestra soloists while at PMF.
1993
Invited to perform acclaimed American composer Lou Harrison’s percussion music with Pacific Music Festival Orchestra, Japan..
1995
Awarded Fundacion Andes Scholarship to study at Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburg, USA. Takes percussion lessons with internationally acclaimed American Maestro George Gaber.
Wishes and Skills
- To perform at prestigious international orchestras
- To hold a percussion teaching position at international music academies and universities
- To perform with percussion enssembles.
- To compose for documentaries and films.
- As a soloist at numerous operas and concerts he has been honored to perform successfully with great music Maestros such as MICHAEL TILSON THOMAS, CHRISTOPH ECHEMEN BACH, MAXIME SHOSTAKOVICH, LUCIANO PAVAROTTI, PLACIDO DOMINGO, CARLOS ZORSI, STEFAN TERC, JUAN PABLO IZQUIERDO, FERNANDO ROZAS and recently deceased GEORGE GABER.
- Fluent English
- As a soloist at numerous operas and concerts he has been honored to perform successfully with great music Maestros such as MICHAEL TILSON THOMAS, CHRISTOPH ECHEMEN BACH, MAXIME SHOSTAKOVICH, LUCIANO PAVAROTTI, PLACIDO DOMINGO, CARLOS ZORSI, STEFAN TERC, JUAN PABLO IZQUIERDO, FERNANDO ROZAS and recently deceased GEORGE GABER.
- Fluent English
