Ensemble 212 - Musicians

Photo by Natalie Devore

Percussionist Stephen Solook is an active classical, world, and solo musician in New York City. Currently, Steve is the Principal Percussionist/Timpanist with NY Repertory Orchestra and Ensemble 212, and works as a freelance percussionist for several orchestras. As a chamber musician Steve is a member of the Arete Ensemble, New York Composers Circle, the trio Tonal Center, and the duo Aurora Borealis. He has also been recorded with Cantori NY, under the baton of Mark Shapiro, and with the Klezmer group, Klezmer Battery. Steve has performed in concerts with such artists as Judy Collins, Lauren Flanigen, Glen Velez, Bob Becker, and John Rutter.

In the 2004-05 season, Mr. Solook was able to work consistently with composer Davide Zannoni. Under the baton of Yoon Jae Lee, with Ensemble 212 Steve gave the NYC premiere of the Zannoni’s Concertino del’ Incenso. Earlier that season Steve recorded the concerto with the Mannes College of Music Orchestra, with David Hayes conducting. Just recently in April 2006 Aurora Borealis gave the NY premiere of Zannoni’s Aldina, for vibes and soprano.

As an active commissioner of new music Steve has worked with such composers as Bruce Adolphe, Raphael Fusco, David Loeb, James Maxson, Osnat Netzer, Seth Rozanoff, Jorge Sosa, Michaela Straub, and David Tcimpidis. In December 2005 Aurora Borealis gave a recital sponsored by the Mannes Composition Department consisting of works specifically written for the Duo, by Mannes faculty and former students.

Mr. Solook received his bachelor degrees in performance and music education at Ithaca College; where he studied with Gordon Stout, and his Master of Music at Mannes College of Music studying under Jim Preiss and Glen Velez. He is currently working on his Professional Studies Diploma at Mannes.