MEET THE MUSICIANS: ANDRE DYACHENKO

WHAT INSTRUMENT DO YOU PLAY?

Clarinet

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

I am originally from Kharkiv, Ukraine. But I grew up mostly in Michigan and spent a lot of time in Houston, Texas where I met my wife Yennifer Correia (MSO, second violin).

WHERE DID YOU STUDY?

Interlochen Arts Academy, University of Michigan (BM), University of Minnesota (MM), and Rice University (DMA).

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOBBIES?

Reading, philosophy, woodworking (making furniture), building computers, and programming

WHEN DID YOU COME TO MEMPHIS?

2012

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO MAKE MUSIC FOR MEMPHIS?

Memphis in my mind is synonymous with music. The city which is so rich in musical history is a bedrock of popular culture extending its reach all around the world is a lighthouse for inspiration and creativity.

WHAT HAS IT MEANT TO YOU TO MAKE MEMPHIS YOUR HOME?

It was exciting. The city makes you fall in love with it. There is so much potential and such diversity of styles, genres and performers, there is nothing but inspiration emerging from every corner and nook.

“IT’S A PLEASURE TO BE ABLE TO MAKE MUSIC WITH THE MSO AND TO BE ABLE TO FOSTER THE NEXT GENERATION OF MEMPHIS MUSICIANS THROUGH MY WORK WITH THE MEMPHIS YOUTH SYMPHONY PROGRAM AND THE MEMPHIS MUSIC INITIATIVE.” — YENNIFER