ARKAI is a GRAMMY®-nominated, genre-defying string duo that bridges the classical and the contemporary, weaving cinematic soundscapes with electrifying virtuosity into epic performances around the world.

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“From the moment we started making music, it felt unique,” Jonathan notes. “It wasn’t in some genre, it was our genre.” The duo has released two albums, Crossroads (2024) and the GRAMMY® -nominated Brightside (2025), and built their striking visual presence through a series of stunning videos and performances on major prestigious stages, from the EMMY Awards to the GRAMMY® Museum to a Lakers playoff game to a virtual TED Talk reaching 30,000 people. 

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“We are an electro-acoustic duo, a bridge between worlds,” explains cellist Philip Sheegog. “That’s the defining characteristic of ARKAI.” Violinist Jonathan Miron, the other half of the duo, continues, “The best way to describe us is probably Hans Zimmer meets 2CELLOS.” 

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Before Philip and Jonathan ever had a conversation, they met through music. Both attended a 2018 event hosted at Juilliard when an impromptu jam session broke out. Over the next hour, the two, who had grown up on different coasts and, at times, on other continents, discovered a shared language: an overlap of direction, talent, and instinctive improvisation. “It was this really extraordinary, unique moment that gave a taste of the potential,” Jonathan recalls. That spontaneous jam led to introductions and destiny. Over the course of seven years, it led to a career path that defied the norms. The pair became the driving force behind every aspect of ARKAI, including writing, producing, mixing, and crafting every visual with fearless creativity.

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The creative courage of ARKAI lies in two former prodigies charging their classical foundation with fearless explorations across generations and genres. Nominated for “Best Contemporary Instrumental Album” for the 2026 GRAMMY® Awards, Brightside includes a majestic rendition of “The Sound of Silence,” accompanied by a candlelit video performance nearing 100,000 views. The New York City-based duo’s groundbreaking acoustic and electric interplay is at the core of the latest album. “The name ‘ARKAI’ actually comes from a Greek word meaning ‘leaders,’” reflects Philip. “We liked that because it represented and encapsulated the energy we wanted to have as we found ourselves venturing into uncharted waters.”

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ARKAI’s trailblazing journey includes teaming with photographer David LaChapelle and Cirque du Soleil acrobats for Milan Design Week, opening for GRAMMY® and Oscar-winning pianist Jon Batiste, and partnerships with Carnegie Hall. They’ve performed extensively with celebrity violinist Lindsey Stirling, and have an ever-expanding relationship with chart-topping pianist Tony Ann. Beyond music, ARKAI embodies values as bold as their sound, launching a pandemic initiative that raised $80,000 for small businesses and nonprofits nationwide, and proudly celebrating their mixed-race Asian American heritage (Philip is half Japanese; Jonathan half Taiwanese).

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As ARKAI promotes their GRAMMY®-nominated Brightside, they invite audiences worldwide to experience their captivating live show. The duo likens their concerts to “the IMAX experience,” delivering a transcendent and out-of-body connection to audiences. Jonathan sums it up: “It’s all about inspiring people to live fuller, more beautiful lives.”