Ryan Scott

Leading Canadian percussionist Dr. Ryan Scott has been hailed as “Fierce and delicate…a chameleon-like virtuoso who triumphs over the varied colouristic demands and technical challenges” (Gramophone).

As a marimba and multi-percussion soloist he has performed extensively in contemporary music festivals in Europe, Japan, China, Indonesia, South Africa, the UK and The Netherlands. He has also performed as guest soloist with the Esprit Orchestra, the National Arts Centre Orchestra, The Hyogo Performing Arts Centre Orchestra, The Austin Symphony and numerous other orchestras and chamber ensembles across North America.

Ryan is a stalwart figure in the Toronto contemporary music community and has performed in over 400 world premieres. In addition to his work as a regular guest artist with NEXUS, Principal Percussionist of the Esprit Orchestra and Percussionist in the Canadian Opera Company Orchestra since 1996, he is also a sought-after chamber musician and teacher. A core member of Continuum Contemporary Music (founded 1985), he also serves the organization as Artistic Director.

His live recording of three Maki Ishii percussion concertos with the Esprit Orchestra (Innova 809) elevated Ryan to international acclaim in 2011. He studied with Russell Hartenberger and Robin Engelman at the University of Toronto and serves on the faculty at the National Youth Orchestra of Canada.