Kevork Andonian is a composer, pianist, orchestrator, arranger and music educator.  Originally from Ottawa, Canada he is currently a Ph.D. Candidate in Composition at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) where he is also a Teaching Fellow.  While at UCLA he has studied composition with Ian Krouse, Roger Bourland, James Newton and David Lefkowitz.  Kevork developed a great passion for music creation at an early age. At age six he began writing music out on score.  Kevork holds a Bachelor of Music Degree from Carleton University where he studied composition with the late Canadian composer Patrick Cardy, graduating with Highest Honors in 2001.  The recipient of many scholarships and awards, Kevork was also awarded the Carleton University Medal in Music upon his graduation. 

Kevork holds a Master of Music in Theory and Composition from the University of Ottawa where he also taught as a part-time professor.  His thesis advisor was Steven Gellman, a prominent Canadian composer who studied at The Julliard School with Luciano Berio and Vincent Persichetti, and at the Paris Conservatoire with Olivier Messiaen. 

A versatile composer, Kevork has composed for the concert hall, theater, as well as for film, video and multimedia productions.  He writes in a neo-tonal style which stresses the importance of melody and rich harmonies.  A variety of emotions, rhythms and instrumental colors are portrayed in his works.  He draws his inspiration from classical music, as well as world musics, jazz and pop.

Kevork has written music for films produced through the Canadian Film Center and the Independent Film Cooperative of Ottawa.  At UCLA Kevork has studied film music with Paul Chihara and Charles Fox as well as advanced orchestration (including film orchestration) with Bruce Broughton.

Canada, the United States, France, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Italy, the Czech Republic and Armenia have all hosted performances of Kevork’s original compositions.  His works have been performed in prestigious concert venues such as Toronto’s Glenn Gould Studio and New York City’s Carnegie Hall.  One of Kevork’s newer works composed for flute and marimba, entitled A Longing For Joy, was premiered in Belgium on May 30th, 2008 by flutist Marc Grauwels and marimbist Sarah Mouradoglou.  The same performers recently recorded this piece for a Naxos CD entitled Music for Flute and Percussion: II. 

Future plans for Kevork include teaching music permanently at an academic institution and composing music for various musical groups, media, and venues.