Emil Kuyumcuyan is an Istanbul-born percussionist, composer, and electronic musician with Croatian, Greek, Armenian, and African roots. Emil tours internationally as a soloist, curating concert programs that feature new commissions, existing repertoire, and his own compositions.

An eclectic and versatile musician, Emil has received international acclaim. He won first prize at the TROMP International Percussion Competition, one of the most prestigious percussion contests in the world. He was also awarded first prize as a soloist at the Stockholm International Music Competition and received an ensemble prize at the International Percussion Competition Luxembourg.

As a producer and composer, his distinctive musical voice is shaped by a blend of contemporary classical, jazz, and Anatolian music traditions, resulting in a unique and expressive performance language. In 2019, he created his first audiovisual work, I S T A N B U L | the roots, a multimedia performance inspired by his home city. He produces electronic music that blends IDM and drum and bass influences with his classical background.

He also composes for diverse instrumental and electronic formats and has received commissions from organizations including the Philharmonie Cologne (KoelnMusik), Kunststiftung Baden-Württemberg, IPEA Competition Shanghai, Trio Vis-à-vis, and the World Marimba Competition Stuttgart. His works have been premiered at renowned festivals and venues including the Philharmonie Cologne, Festspiele Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival. He is also a member of Les Percussions de Strasbourg and Trio K/D/M, and appears regularly as a guest with leading ensembles including Ensemble Intercontemporain, Ensemble Modern, Boulez Ensemble, Ensemble Ascolta, Orchestre National de France, and Slagwerk Den Haag.

His repertoire spans from the works of J.S. Bach to the latest compositions by living composers. He actively collaborates with contemporary artists such as Ryoji Ikeda (with Les Percussions de Strasbourg), Alexander Schubert, (with Les Percussions de Strasbourg), Adrien Trybucki, Bastien David, and Martin Matalon, and is also engaged in multimedia and interdisciplinary projects. A dedicated educator, Emil shares his expertise through masterclasses, juries at international competitions, and academic positions. He is a Tutor at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester and, since October 2023, has held the position of Professor of Percussion at the Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts (HFMDK).

Born into a music-loving family in Istanbul, Emil began his musical journey at age 12 at the Mimar Sinan State Conservatory, initially studying trombone before discovering his passion for percussion. During these formative years, he immersed himself in classical music culture while drawing inspiration from artists like Metallica, Dave Holland Quintet, Esbjörn Svensson Trio, and Pierre Boulez. He later studied percussion at the State University of Music and Performing Arts Stuttgart under Marta Klimasara, Klaus Dreher, Jürgen Spitschka, and Harald Löhle. 

He continued his education in France with Jean Geoffroy at the National Conservatory of Music and Dance in Lyon (CNSMDL). Emil is endorsed by Kolberg, Yamaha, and Turkish Cymbals. 

Beyond music, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, cooking, ramen, sunshine, autumn walks, the city of Paris, linguistics, and reading.