Born in Vermont of Greek-Italian descent, international recording artist, Gary Stroutsos, is a composer, educator, producer and flutist. Since 1994 he has produced and recorded over ten albums and has been featured throughout the world on the NPR syndicated programs "Echoes" with John Diliberto and Skitch Henderson's "New York Evening at the Pops." His music has also been featured on the Ken Burns PBS documentary Lewis and Clark: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery, which led to a command performance at the White House for President Bill Clinton.
With backgrounds in American jazz, Afro-Cuban and American Indian music, Stroutsos pushes the boundaries of original flute music being composed and recorded today in his genre. Stroutsos' vision is always to symbolize unity with his music through all cultures. A self-taught ethnomusicologist, Stroutsos is strongly respectful of ethnic cultures and musical traditions. Personal studies with jazz flutist/composer James Newton and Professor Danilo Lozano, Cuban and classical flutist/educator, have been influential in his foundation as a flute player.
His American Indian musical journey has evolved with his relationship with Navajo flutemaker/historian Paul Thompson. Cherie Harms, president of Makoche Records; David Swenson, producer; and traditional Native American flutists Keith Bear and Bryan Akipa have brought Stroutsos to the music of the northern plains of Dakota. He brings his own cultural references and stylings to his music.
This ongoing discovery of world flute music and its mysteries of sound are closely linked to nature and Mother Earth. Stroutsos believes the sound of the flute is one of history's oldest, most beloved solo instruments, spanning many generations through time.
He has performed in the United States and Canada with The Makoché Tour: The Earth Shall Endure. When Stroutsos plays his flute traditions come to life. His passion for creating original compositions is inspired by directly experiencing the extraordinary diversity and beauty of nature and people encountered during his extensive travels.
His passion for learning rhythms and melodies from many world cultures and his diverse artistic background enable him to transcend cultural barriers and tap into the universal music found in all of our hearts. He performs in concert either in a solo lecture/performance, or with Hidden World featuring Jon Serrie on keyboards. Additionally, his World Pacific Ensemble features Epaminondas Trimis playing calabash gourds, clay pots and frame drums, and features Brazilian composer/pianist Jovino Santos Neto with Larry Mahlis on tablas and Elizabeth Falconer playing Japanese koto.
The music will take you on a musical journey weaving delicate melodies into a global landscape with sophisticated improvisation. Stroutsos conducts master classes with special guest Paul Thompson, Navajo flutemaker and American Indian music educator.
