About David Arkenstone: GRAMMY® nominated composer David Arkenstone has established himself as one of the most engaging and prolific contemporary instrumentalists of our time. This visionary continues to create distinctive tracks that inspire the imagination and evoke every emotion, spanning genres from new age to Celtic, neoclassical to ambient, world music to epic orchestral.
Since the release of his acclaimed album Valley in the Clouds in 1987, David Arkenstone has received five GRAMMY® nominations (2022, 2020, 2004, 2000, and 1992). With over 2 billion streams worldwide, 70+ albums, film and TV scores, gaming scores for World of Warcraft, and NBC Sports themes such as The Kentucky Derby, The British Open, and Premier League soccer, David's music is the soundtrack to millions of listeners’ lives, taking fans of all ages on a fantastic musical journey.
It is said that David brings a bit of magic to every project he does. His expertise and ability to connect with a project is unsurpassed, allowing the visuals and the project's intent and story to guide his creativity. “I love the challenge of crafting a sound that supports the story, and enhances the director’s vision,” says David.
Bringing incomparable diversity to his work, David enjoys creating a full range of distinctive music from epic orchestral to minimalist scores. Whether a sweeping fantasy or drama score, simplistic piano solo, epic game score, thrilling sports theme or effective commercial, David delivers. And he is equally at home in the studio or on tour with his own concerts and when orchestras play his music.
David looks forward to taking your imagination on an adventure!
Composer David Arkenstone has been called “a master of sonic
sensationalism.” With 20 Billboard chart hits, over one
million albums sold, and four Grammy nominations,
Arkenstone has become a leader of the contemporary
instrumental genre. “Music Inspired by Middle Earth,” reached
#15 on the Billboard New Age Chart and #2 on the NAV Radio
Chart in 2001. “Caravan of Light,” released in 2000 was honored
as Best Album of the Year by New Age Voice. “Sketches from an
American Journey” made Soundscan’s list of top ten New Age
Albums for three consecutive weeks in 2002.
Arkenstone’s multi-instrumentalist compositions are unique fusions of cinematic, rock, classical, new age and world music which create “soundscapes” for the imagination” taking his audiences on a quest for adventure.” He thinks of his music as "cinematic new age rock.” His melodic sound, “provocative, mystical and awe-inspiring,” is as lush with his six-piece ensemble as a symphony orchestra. Critics hail Arkenstone’s music as “full of thunder and feeling,” a “voyage” of layered acoustic instruments and voices which sends the listener on a “joyous expedition.”
Memorable live performances include appearances with both the Utah Symphony, Grand Rapids Symphony and the Milwaukee Symphony. He has performed at New York’s Radio City Music Hall and at the Hollywood Bowl and headlined several Windham Hill Winter Solstice tours.
Notable quotes:
“…his music is full of thunder and feeling. It goes straight to the heart.”
Atlanta Journal Constitution
"… The master of sonic sensationalism.”
Tampa Tribune
“…ultimately a joyous expedition – and a tough one to top.”
Chicago Tribune
“…music with a definite twist, making something unexpected out of the totally expected.”
Sunday Oakland Press
“…takes the listener on an ethereal quest for adventure and tranquility.”
Colorado Springs Daily Telegraph
“…lush and provocative, mystical and awe-inspiring.”
New Age Retailer