Joel Biedrzycki

Joel Biedrzycki has been a member of the Nagoya Philharmonic Orchestra since 2014 and has held the principal timpani/percussion position since 2016. He also recently became adjunct professor at the Nagoya University of the Arts. Previously, Joel was a core member with the Hyogo Performing Arts Center Orchestra for two and a half years.

Joel grew up in New Hampshire and began playing drums at the age of twelve. He attended the University of New Hampshire for his Bachelor’s Degree and the Lynn Conservatory of Music for a Master’s Degree as well as a Performance Certificate Degree. Joel studied with Nancy Smith, principal percussionist of the Portland Symphony Orchestra and Edward Atkatz, former principal percussionist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

During his studies, Joel attended distinguished summer music festivals such as the Music Academy of the West, the Tanglewood Music Festival and Pacific Music Festival in Sapporo, Japan. Additionally, Joel has toured Spain and South Africa as a member of The World Orchestra and was privileged to be a member of the Youtube Symphony Orchestra under Michael Tilson Thomas in Sydney, Australia.

OrchestraNagoya Philharmonic OrchestraTitleTimpanist and Percussionist