The genre-defying electroacoustic duo ARKAI took the stage…Like any exceptional musical performance, it hit like a gale force of humanity. It also showcased how human creativity has always embraced new technology with stirring and inspiring results. –GRAMMY.com
ARKAI is an award-winning electro-acoustic duo that has captivated audiences around the world with their creative imagination and cutting-edge string music. Transforming the beautiful tones of the violin and cello into epic soundscapes that resemble a rock band backed by a full orchestra, ARKAI’s signature sound has led them to hundreds of shows around the world including esteemed engagements at GRAMMYs On The Hill, Carnegie Hall, Abu Dhabi Culture Summit, US Air Force Academy, and TED Talks. Other highlights include opening for GRAMMY and Oscar-winning musician Jon Batiste, collaborations with celebrity photographer David LaChapelle for Milan Design Week, and joint recording projects with viral piano sensation Tony Ann and Decca Records. They recently opened and performed with Tony Ann at the legendary Troubadour club in LA for back to back sold out shows.
As songwriters & performers, their creative versatility has led to collaborations with GRAMMY-award winning music producers, Hollywood trailer houses, Cirque du Soleil acrobats and olympic gymnasts, contemporary dance companies, chart-topping musicians, and full-scale symphony orchestras.
For two artists who graduated from the elite Juilliard School, having a successful career in music wasn’t a given. They were outsiders within a classical world steeped in competition and preconceived notions of success, yet they defied odds and challenged industry norms by paving a career that both honors tradition and champions innovation.
They’ve always been focused on giving back to society and connecting audiences through their music. During the Covid pandemic, their SupportNYC initiative helped raise over $80,000 in monetary support for small businesses and organizations across the USA through fundraising performances, spreading hope and healing to communities across the country through the power of the arts.
​
Passionate about inspiring the next generation of citizen artists, ARKAI has led transformative education workshops around creativity, improvisation and entrepreneurship for thousands of students across the United States. Their progressive vision has led to collaborations with education programs at esteemed institutions like Carnegie Hall, Midori & Friends, NY Youth Symphony, Curtis Institute of Music, and The Juilliard School. They currently serve on the Midori & Friends Young Professional Board.
As proud Asian-Americans, ARKAI has helped raise awareness and support for AANHPI causes in partnership with the Museum of Chinese in America, Asian American Arts Alliance, World Trade Center and US Dept of State. During a time of increased division and hostility within the world, their artistry represents a beacon of possibility for the Asian American community and an example of the power of arts to bridge cultural and societal divides.
​
ARKAI’s artist-activism and commitment to advancing the future of music has led to top awards from Astral Artists, WQXR, Juilliard, The McGraw Family Foundation, and recognition from the Recording Academy (GRAMMYs)
​
In collaboration with GRAMMY-award winning producer Jonas W. Karlsson, ARKAI’s debut album Crossroads will be released in Summer 2024. ARKAI is a voting member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMYs).
JONATHAN MIRON
Jonathan Miron’s desire to connect with audiences of all cultures has inspired and taken him on an expansive journey to broaden his artistic palate – from collaborating with members of Yo-Yo Ma’s Silkroad Ensemble, to appearing with Tony and Grammy Award winner Ben Platt at Clive Davis’ famed pre-Grammy party, to impromptu jams with Grammy-nominated Cuban percussionist Pedrito Martinez at NYC’s 92nd Street Y. A graduate of The Juilliard School, Jonathan’s performance career has taken him to acclaimed concert halls around the world – including solo engagements at The Louvre Museum in Paris, Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., and the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing. Jonathan is a NS Design Artist.
PHILIP SHEEGOG
Cellist and producer Philip Sheegog pushes the boundaries of genre with a technical versatility, fearless commitment, and extroverted generosity that have made him sought out on all ends of the musical spectrum. Sheegog fuses the sonic traditions and technical vocabulary of his native classical with cutting-edge sound design, live audio processing, and myriad genre influences to create a distinctively modern synthesis. A champion for musical innovation, Sheegog’s distinctive aesthetic draws upon the sonic traditions and technical vocabulary of myriad musical styles, ranging from classical to metal to folk. He has premiered over eighty new works by living composers and collaborated with such disparate groups as the legendary 1970’s Steve Miller Band, members of the GRAMMY-award winning Turtle Island String Quartet, the International Contemporary Ensemble, and the hip-hop/classical collective ShoutHouse. Sheegog holds his degrees from The Juilliard School.
