Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Avant-Garde

 

Ensemble Bash is a British classical music group that specializes in percussion instruments. The group was formed in 1992 by four percussionists: Stephen Hiscock, Joby Burgess, Neil Percy, and Paul Clarvis. The group has since expanded to include other musicians, such as percussionist Colin Currie and pianist Simon Haram. The birth of Ensemble Bash can be traced back to the early 1990s, when the four founding members were studying at the Royal College of Music in London. They shared a passion for percussion music and decided to form a group that would explore the possibilities of percussion instruments in classical music. They named the group "Bash" as a nod to the percussive nature of their music. The group's early performances were well-received, and they quickly gained a reputation for their innovative approach to percussion music. They performed at various venues in London, including the Purcell Room and the Royal Festival Hall. In 1994, they released their debut album, "Bash," which featured a mix of classical and contemporary percussion music. Over the years, Ensemble Bash has performed at some of the world's most prestigious music festivals, including the BBC Proms, the Edinburgh International Festival, and the Salzburg Festival. They have also collaborated with a wide range of musicians, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, and the Kronos Quartet. One of the highlights of Ensemble Bash's career was their performance at the 2002 BBC Proms. They performed a piece called "Drumming" by the American composer Steve Reich, which is considered one of the most important works in the percussion repertoire. The performance was a huge success, and it helped to cement Ensemble Bash's reputation as one of the leading percussion groups in the world. Ensemble Bash has also won several awards for their work. In 2001, they won the Royal Philharmonic Society Award for Chamber Music, which is one of the most prestigious awards in classical music. They have also been nominated for several Grammy Awards for their recordings. In addition to their performances, Ensemble Bash is also committed to education and outreach. They regularly give workshops and masterclasses to young musicians, and they have worked with schools and community groups to promote percussion music. Ensemble Bash's repertoire is diverse and eclectic, ranging from classical works by composers such as Bach and Vivaldi to contemporary pieces by composers such as Steve Reich and John Cage. They are known for their virtuosic performances and their ability to create complex rhythms and textures using a wide range of percussion instruments. Ensemble Bash's discography includes several critically acclaimed albums, including "Bash," "Red Hot," and "Different Trains." Their recordings have been praised for their technical precision and their ability to capture the energy and excitement of their live performances. In conclusion, Ensemble Bash is a pioneering group in the world of percussion music. Their innovative approach to classical music has earned them a reputation as one of the most exciting and dynamic groups in the world. With their commitment to education and outreach, they are also helping to inspire the next generation of percussionists and classical musicians.

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