William Chapman Nyaho

Pianist

William H. Chapman Nyaho, a native of Ghana, West Africa, graduated from Achimota School, Ghana where he studied piano primarily with John Barham, and earned the Performer's Diploma and the Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music, (UK). He went on to study at St. Peter's College, Oxford University where he graduated Bachelor of Arts degree at the Honour School of Music. He continued his studies in piano at the Conservatoire de Musique de Gen?ve, Switzerland, as a student of Henri Gautier, and later, the Eastman School of Music, where he received the Master of Music degree studying under Barry Snyder.

Nyaho later received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin studying with David Renner. Following a four-year residency as a North Carolina Visiting Artist, Chapman Nyaho taught at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette from 1991-2002. He was the recipient of the 1998 University of Southwestern Louisiana Distinguished Professor Award and the 1998 Acadiana Arts Council Distinguished Artist Award. He also held the Heymann Endowed Professorship.

Chapman Nyaho’s performing experience includes recitals in Europe, Africa, the Caribbean and in cities across the United States including Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center. He has performed as soloist with orchestras across the South. Chapman Nyaho has been featured on radio and television broadcasts in Ghana, Switzerland, and National Public Radio.

Chapman Nyaho not only serves as a regular guest clinician at colleges and universities around the United States but also as an adjudicator for national and international piano competitions. His teaching credits include prize-winners at piano competitions. Chapman Nyaho is an active member of the College Music Society and the Music Teachers’ National Association and gives lecture-recitals and workshops advocating music by composers of the African Diaspora.

His performances for American Voices include several concert tours of Germany and upcoming tours for Black History month in Latin America.

Press Quotes:

"This altogether enthralling recital of keyboard works in many styles reveals that this music deserves a regular place on concert programs. The composers - from Nigeria, Jamaica, England, Egypt, Ghana and the United States - are masterful creators who embrace Eu ropean, American and African idioms. Nyaho plays each score with sensitive, bold artistry."
—Cleveland Plain Dealer,
naming Senku one of the best classical music recordings of the year

"The humanity of the music and Nyaho's gripping performances kept my ears glued to this disc. Let's hope the pianist continues to explore — and record — more such commanding repertoire."
—Gramophone Magazine,
reviewing the recording Senku

Programs Offered:

Senku: Piano Music by Composers of African Descent

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