Kenneth McGrath

Percussionist Kenneth McGrath regularly performs with Southern California’s leading ensembles. With the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Pacific Symphony, and San Diego Symphony he has toured throughout Europe, Asia, and North America. In addition, he has contributed to many recordings and broadcasts including John Adam’s Naïve and Sentimental Music, Le Sacre du Printemps, Phillip Glass’ The Passion Ramakrishna and Gustavo Dudamel-Los Angeles Philharmonic: The Inaugural Concert. Ken also appears frequently with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and serves as section percussionist with New West Symphony. His work with the Los Angeles Philharmonic New Music Group has included concerts at Lincoln Center, the Ojai Music Festival, and the Green Umbrella Series. He has been actively involved with numerous touring ballet companies including American Ballet Theater, Bolshoi Ballet, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal, and San Francisco Ballet. In 2008, Kenneth commissioned, performed, and recorded the world premiere of William Kraft’s Encounters XIII: Concertino for Percussion & Woodwind Quintet with Southwest Chamber Music. He can be heard on motion picture soundtracks by composers including John Williams, Alan Silvestri, Danny Elfman, and Hans Zimmer and has also played on national touring productions of Motown: The Musical, Wicked, Curtains, The Lion King, and Phantom of the Opera.

In addition to performing, Ken serves on the music faculties of California State University Fullerton, the Colburn Community School of Performing Arts and Pasadena City College. He also maintains a private teaching studio in Los Angeles. Kenneth is an alumnus of the University of California, Los Angeles (summa cum laude) and the Eastman School of Music. He is an Educational Artist for Marimba One.