Oregon Symphony Brings Two of the Most Talented and Innovative Musical Figures of Our Time–Andy Akiho and Jeffrey Zeigler–to the Stage

Portland’s own GRAMMY®-nominated composer and percussionist, Andy Akiho debuts the much-anticipated West Coast premiere of Nisei: Concerto for Cello and Chamber Orchestra on Oct. 5-7, 2024. Co-commissioned by the Oregon Symphony, the work features world-renowned cellist Jeffrey Zeigler, acclaimed for his genre-defying performances that bridge classical and contemporary music. The concert, conducted by Music Director David Danzmayr, will also include Akiho performing his own Steel Pan Concerto No. 1. The program also includes Brahms’ Second Symphony. 

Akiho and Zeigler have developed a musical language across their many projects. They also share the cultural heritage of being half Japanese. Akiho, who is a Portland native, got the idea for the title Nisei, referring to the second generation of Japanese immigrants in America, after visiting the Japanese American Museum of Oregon.  

Akiho wanted to surprise audiences with a minimalist and traditional sound that showcases Zeigler’s exceptional playing and beautiful tone. “Over the past 11 years, I have really gotten to know Jeff as an artist, and so Nisei started as a visual, almost subconscious process for me,” says Akiho. “Every note I wrote, I was picturing Jeff playing it. I embrace challenges; they help us grow and stay creative and vibrant. As much as I know that Jeff can play literally anything, I also knew we both needed to reach a place artistically where we’ve never traveled, that was new for both of us." 

Zeigler spent eight years with one of the most celebrated and pioneering string quartets, the internationally renowned Kronos Quartet. Today, he is a soloist and also performs a wide array of collaborative projects.  

In just 17 years, Akiho has composed five concertos, a significant achievement considering that Johannes Brahms wrote only four over the course of 33 years. Akiho’s impact is reflected in the recognition his compositions have garnered, including three 2024 Grammy nominations, a 2023 American Academy of Arts and Letters award, a 2022 Pulitzer Prize finalist placement, and a prestigious Rome Prize in 2014. 

“Akiho’s ability to blend contemporary influences with the timeless tradition of writing for solo instruments and orchestra positions him as a transformative figure in modern classical music,” says Danzmayr. “We are incredibly fortunate to have Akiho here in Portland, not only for his talent but for his prolific output. Akiho’s rapid rise as a composer and musician is no surprise.” 

The program will also feature Akiho performing his Steel Pan Concerto No. 1. Known for their warm and vibrant tones, the steel pans evoke the radiant beauty of nature, a theme central to this season’s The Nature of Music. This pairing of Akiho’s compositions with Brahms’ Second Symphony, a work famous for its vivid portrayal of pastoral landscapes, creates a powerful musical journey that will bring to mind the wonders of the natural world.

To purchase tickets for any of Oregon Symphony’s 2024-2025 season programming, visit orsymphony.org or call 503-228-1353.

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About Oregon Symphony

The multi-Grammy Award-nominated Oregon Symphony, led by Music Director David Danzmayr, serves more than 250,000 people annually through live concerts, and education and community engagement programs. Through innovative initiatives such as the Creative Alliance, the Oregon Symphony engages cultural thought-leaders to bring a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and inspiring musical experiences to our community that go beyond the concert hall and support the Symphony’s mission to move music forward. Online programming and syndicated broadcasts extend the Oregon Symphony’s reach to tens of millions more children and adults around the world. The Oregon Symphony has delighted audiences for more than 125 years and is the oldest orchestra in the Western United States. For more information, visit www.orsymphony.org. Follow Oregon Symphony on Instagram and Facebook.