THE STORY OF GKO
Since the release of his first album, "Sonic Sanctum" (2020), GKO has been pioneering what's possible with the piano. Critics describe his playing as "performing wizardry, flowing yet bright, lively and heroic... with moments of nostalgia, reverie, and reflection." He combines decades of classical training with a gift for improvisation to speak with a candor all his own.
With his latest single, "Her Voice," GKO combines the rhythmic ferocity of modern jazz with the gentle beauty of Chopin. He says, "I want this song to showcase the power of the piano, how it can make you feel scared, excited, and serene. I believe the piano allows us to express emotion with a depth nothing else can match."
Born in California, GKO took his first lesson at 5. He was a reluctant student until his studies at Harvard, where he focused on piano performance and composition. GKO produced the first-ever Piano Performance Thesis in Harvard's history and received the David McCord Prize for exceptional musical talent and creativity. GKO has appeared on stages worldwide, including nine appearances at Carnegie Hall, and has performed as a guest artist at notable institutions, including The British Museum, TED, the MIT Media Lab, Berklee College of Music, and Tanglewood Institute of Music. His piano music can also be heard on tracks by The Black Keys, Foster the People, and Handsome Boy Modeling School.
GKO resides in Los Angeles. The Japanese indigo-boutique FDMTL outfits his concert wear. He is a Young Steinway Artist.