New York-based composer, arranger, and pianist/keyboardist Joel Diamond has successfully merged his passions for "serious" orchestral music and contemporary electronic styles. His string quartet, "Danza Caprichosa", recorded by Orchestra Nova, garnered a prestigious Grammy nomination. Additionally, his ballet, "Leonard And Minky", was premiered at New York's Dance Theater Workshop in January 2000, featuring narration by Mayor Ed Koch and choreography by John Selya.
Diamond's chamber pieces have been performed by the esteemed Apple Brass Quintet and Orchestra Nova, while four of his ballets have been presented by the renowned Cuban National Ballet. His scores have been featured in notable films, including Henry Bean's "The Believer", which won the feature film competition for drama at the Sundance International Film Festival in 2001, as well as Jacques Thelemaque's "The Doghouse", James Bruce's "The Suicide Club", and the PBS production "Heart Of The Garden".
As a highly sought-after session pianist, Diamond has collaborated with accomplished artists such as Mick Taylor, Graham Parker, and Jane Oliver. Furthermore, he has produced the soundtrack albums for the films "Welcome To The Dollhouse" and David Mamet's "Oleanna". Since 1998, Diamond has been a staff producer for Chesky, overseeing albums by notable artists including Rebecca Paris, Livingston Taylor, and Sarah K.
