We’re excited to begin presenting artists in a pop up gallery format. Join us in the room to check out the innovative instruments and sounds of David Kontak. This is a free event thanks to a grant and partnership with Hundred Nights and the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts.

David Kontak is an instrument builder, musician, visual artist, and therapist. He lives with his family in Concord, NH. His early training was in visual arts, and he taught drawing and printmaking at Kent State University in the 80’s and 90’s. He also played upright bass and bass guitar in a variety of jazz and experimental musical ensembles. Around this time, David began to explore homemade instruments to extend the sonic options available to these groups. Soon, he developed a wide range of stringed and percussion instruments. 

David performs regularly as a solo artist on his inventions. He places an emphasis on movement, humor, and visual interest in his performances. He is currently working with Composer Andrea Clearfield, Librettist Ellen Frankel, and Artistic Director Dominick DiOrio on a National Endowment for the Arts grant. The project, called “Beyond the Binary,” is a commission for 130-piece chorus and custom percussion instruments. It will debut in May, 2022 in Philadelphia with the renowned Mendelssohn Chorus.

When not involved with musical projects, David works as an Occupational Therapist with a focus on rehabilitation technology. This field of study endeavors to design and build equipment that enhances participation and quality of life. Among other topics, he has presented widely on how to integrate students with disabilities into mainstream music ensembles using custom, adapted instruments.