Percussion Group Cincinnati is a classical music ensemble that has been active since 1979. The group was founded by three percussionists, Allen Otte, James Culley, and Russell Burge, who were all faculty members at the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. The group's mission was to explore the possibilities of percussion music and to bring it to a wider audience. The founding members of Percussion Group Cincinnati were all accomplished percussionists in their own right. Allen Otte had studied with John Cage and was a member of the Merce Cunningham Dance Company. James Culley had performed with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. Russell Burge had studied with William Kraft and had performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The group's early performances were characterized by their innovative use of percussion instruments and their willingness to experiment with new sounds and techniques. They performed works by contemporary composers such as John Cage, Steve Reich, and Philip Glass, as well as works by classical composers such as Bach and Beethoven. One of the group's early highlights was their performance of John Cage's "Third Construction" at the 1980 Percussive Arts Society International Convention. The performance was a critical success and helped to establish the group's reputation as one of the leading percussion ensembles in the world. Over the years, Percussion Group Cincinnati has continued to push the boundaries of percussion music. They have commissioned and premiered works by some of the most important composers of our time, including John Luther Adams, Michael Gordon, and David Lang. One of the group's most notable performances was their 1998 performance of Steve Reich's "Drumming" at the Lincoln Center Festival in New York City. The performance was a critical and commercial success and helped to bring the group to a wider audience. In addition to their performances, Percussion Group Cincinnati has also been recognized for their contributions to the field of percussion music. They have received numerous awards and honors, including the Percussive Arts Society Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009. Today, Percussion Group Cincinnati continues to perform and record music that pushes the boundaries of percussion music. They have released several albums, including "The Percussion Music of Steve Reich" and "The Percussion Music of John Cage." They also continue to collaborate with composers and performers from a wide range of musical genres. In conclusion, Percussion Group Cincinnati is a classical music ensemble that has been at the forefront of percussion music for over four decades. Founded by three innovative percussionists, the group has pushed the boundaries of percussion music and brought it to a wider audience. Their performances and recordings have earned them numerous awards and honors, and they continue to be a vital force in the world of classical music.

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