Hiko, international pianist/ composer and oboist, is a native of Canada who was raised in Athens, Greece. Inspired as a child by his mother’s shimmering soprano voice, Hiko’s love for classical music was born.
Without formal training in piano, music theory or composition, he began experimenting with the piano at age seventeen at his high school in Chicago, realizing his ability to compose.
While attending high school he studied the flute and was competing in solo flute competitions on both city and state levels, and as a teenager, he became a member of the Chicago Flute Society, the Chicago Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the North Winds and the North Park Symphony Orchestra. His flute instructors have included Donald Peck of the Chicago Symphony, Kay Clements of Vandercook College of Music and Mary Finnegan of Roosevelt University.
Hiko has held the positions of principal oboe for the Bel Canto Opera Orchestra, the Ocean State Light Opera Orchestra, the Musica Dolce Chamber Orchestra of Connecticut and sub principal oboe for the Eastern Connecticut Symphony. His embarking on the creation of New Age music is an extension of his musical talent, which includes playing the English horn.
His oboe instructors have included Ray Still of the Chicago Symphony, Elaine Douvas of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Wayne Rapier of the Boston Symphony, Bert Lucarelli of the Hartt School of Music, and Laura Ahlbeck of the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra.
In 1995 he took a leave of absence from his orchestral playing to strictly compose piano compositions and later two of his works were licensed and one was featured on a worldwide release on “Touching Beauty,” a multi-artist CD from Real Music in April of 1999.
In 2000, he independently released his debut CD, “First Embrace,” a collection of original compositions. “First Embrace” was a fulfillment of a long-time dream and was released on his label Hiko Music. His second CD “The Secret Of My Heart,” will be released in April of 2001. Hiko regularly performs selections from these albums in a variety of public performance venues.
Contributing to the Community
Hiko considers it important to contribute a spirit of positive energy in the community. While living in Rhode Island, Hiko donated his time and talent to the citizens of that state: fund raising charity events for the YMCAs of Greater Providence, and a concert at the Avon Theater in November 1998 which raised money for AIDS Care Ocean State. In addition, Trinity Repertory Theater, Providence Animal Rescue League, and the YMCA’s Arts & Humanities Program have all benefited from his musical talent.
He has also given his time and music to the aid in helping cancer patients journey through their healing process while undergoing cancer treatments; two concerts have been given with choreographed dances for Cancer Survivors Day and National Cancer Day.
Along with friend and colleague Kim E. Greenberg, Hiko has developed a holistic music and movement workshop for adults and children called Intimate Expressions, which is “a workshop designed to stimulate, cultivate and nurture the artist in each of us, using music and movement as our tools to express our deepest nature.”
Hiko’s Unique Style of Music
The music Hiko composes is that of a genuine and sensitive artist. Hiko’s compositions begin at his soul and emerge through his spirit onto every key he touches. He has a unique style and sound that is a reflection of his life’s experiences.
Throughout the years he always seemed to capture an audience wherever he would sit and play a piano, creating melodies effortlessly. From the beginning it was evident that music was an outlet for his feelings—a form of expression that he knew would make a difference and touch the lives of others. His compositions are inspired by his mood, his feelings and his love of life.
Fusing New Age with a Classical influence, he produces an ethereal, haunting and heart-warming sound, creating works that are timeless and pure of spirit. He infuses his compositions with deep feelings and emotions of love, pain, yearning, joy, beauty and the mystery of the human soul.
His style and expression reminds one of an inventive classically trained pianist. The originality of his melodies and the lyrical flow of his songwriting, combine to transport the listener to a peaceful, beautiful place. Fans from around the country and the world are generous in their praise of his works, which seem to inspire deeply personal reactions, memories and feelings for each listener.
The Future
Hiko has embarked upon an obviously promising career in music and in touching others’ lives. In addition to performing, collaborating with other artists and maintaining involvement in community causes, Hiko will be exploring new territory as his music evolves, incorporating expanded instrumental arrangements and sound textures. He looks forward to bringing his listeners along on this journey.
His dedication to his art has brought impressive results. Hiko recently signed a 3-year recording agreement with a Korean record label, which will be releasing his solo CD in June 2001. Hiko will begin his tour of the Orient in the fall of this year in support of this album.
Hiko currently resides in Baltimore, Maryland.
E-mail HIKOMUSIC@aol.com
For further details, see www.hikomusic.com