Derek Tywoniuk

Derek Tywoniuk is a percussionist and composer currently residing in Los Angeles, CA. As a performer, he has appeared with WildUp, the Cleveland Orchestra, and the Pacific Symphony Orchestra, among others. He is also a member of the Smoke and Mirrors percussion ensemble, which has recently recorded an album with Yarlung Records (due for release in the next year), and will perform Takemitsu’s “From Me Flows What You Call Time” with The Colburn Conservatory Orchestra in the fall of 2011. In the summer of 2011, he will attend the MusicX festival and the Lucerne Festival Academy. Derek’s compositions have been performed internationally by artists such as Nancy Zeltsman and Beverley Johnston, published by C.F. Peters, recorded on Bridge Records, and included in the 2009 Paris International Marimba Competition.

Derek is currently in the Artist Diploma program at The Colburn School, prior to which he completed his Bachelor of Music degree at the Cleveland Institute of Music. In his spare time, he enjoys watching documentaries, consuming unhealthy amounts of coffee, and avoiding the topic of sports while in conversation. His favorite composer is Toru Takemitsu, and his favorite beer is Stone IPA.