معرفی
Andrew Cannestra is a Lecturer in the Music Department at St. Olaf College. He is a distinguished pianist and composer, celebrated for his solo performances, chamber collaborations, and commitment to promoting works by living and historically underrepresented composers.
Education
- Bachelor of Music, St. Olaf College
- Master of Music, Chicago College of Performing Arts
- Doctoral candidate, University of Oregon
His performance career includes solo engagements such as the 2024 Seattle International Piano Competition Bronze Medal and the 2022 solo album Mystic Pool, featuring his own composition and works by William Grant Still, Alexander Scriabin, Frederic Chopin, and Henri Dutilleux. In 2025, he will release a Naxos album of eight rare works by Josef Wieniawski as part of the Romantic Piano Series.
As a composer, Cannestra's works have been performed by ensembles like the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, St. Olaf Band, and Artaria String Quartet. Notable premieres include Oregon Soundscapes (2025, University of Oregon), Flight (St. Olaf Orchestra's Norway tour), and The Chronicles of Stumpy, the Squirrel Without a Tail. His music has also been featured in Peter Nelson’s award-winning animated film Intruder Man.
Scientific Awards
- Bronze Medal, Seattle International Piano Competition (2024)
- Grand Prize Winner, Aeolian Classics Emerging Artist Competition (2021)
Cannestra regularly collaborates with ensembles such as the Oasis Ensemble (co-founded with Dawn Weiss and Louis Lowenstein) and has performed with members of the Emerson Quartet, Viano Quartet, Delgani Quartet, and major symphonies across the U.S. He has been featured at festivals like the Manchester Music Festival and on radio stations including All-Classical Radio (OR) and Vermont Public Radio.
