Whether in the studio, on stage, or in composition, arranging, and songwriting, multi-instrumentalist Kyle Pudenz’s diverse array of experiences in both popular and classical styles has enabled him to formulate a musical idiom that is entirely his own. He frequently performs on violin, electric violin, mandolin, and guitar. Pudenz graduated with a bachelor’s degree in commercial music from Nashville’s Belmont University in 2014, and shortly after was selected to be in the premiere cast of the international classical-crossover show Barrage 8. During his two years with this alternative string octet, the group toured in Europe, Canada, and the United States, as well as led clinics and educational outreach for middle and high school music students throughout their travels. As a member of Barrage 8, Pudenz was an artist-in-residence and guest faculty member at Florida Gulf Coast University’s Bower School of Music in 2017.

Since his departure from the group, Pudenz has established himself as a touring and session musician in Nashville, Tennessee. He has performed on tour with country, rock, and pop artists including Rodney Atkins, Honey County, and Jared Blake, and has worked in the studio as a musician and arranger for clients including The Piano Guys, Dallas String Quartet, Benjamin William Hastings, and Ben Rector. In 2019 he made his debut on the stage of Nashville’s The Grand Ole Opry with actor and country musician John Schneider. He has performed in 47 US states and on three continents, including several concerts for the US Armed Forces in undisclosed locations.

As a classical mandolinist, Pudenz has been featured as a guest performer with ensembles including the Nashville Ballet, ALIAS Chamber Ensemble, and the Belmont Camerata. This will be his second time appearing in Joe Hisaishi’s Symphonic Concert, having previously performed the program with the Hollywood Film Music Orchestra at Carnegie Hall in 2018.