Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Ballet

 

The English Bach Festival Percussion Ensemble is a classical music ensemble that specializes in performing the works of Johann Sebastian Bach and other Baroque composers. The ensemble was founded in 1980 by percussionist James Blades, who had previously worked with the London Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Blades was inspired to form the ensemble after attending a performance of Bach's St. Matthew Passion, which featured a percussion section that he felt was inadequate. He believed that Bach's music could be enhanced by the addition of percussion instruments, and set out to assemble a group of talented percussionists to perform his works. The ensemble's founding members included Blades, David Corkhill, Michael Skinner, and Neil Percy. All four were experienced percussionists who had worked with major orchestras and ensembles in the UK and abroad. They were joined by other percussionists as needed for specific performances. The English Bach Festival Percussion Ensemble quickly gained a reputation for their innovative and dynamic performances of Bach's music. They were praised for their ability to add new dimensions to familiar works, while still remaining true to the composer's intentions. One of the ensemble's early highlights was their performance of Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 at the 1981 Edinburgh Festival. The performance was widely acclaimed, with critics praising the ensemble's precision and energy. Over the years, the English Bach Festival Percussion Ensemble has performed at major venues and festivals throughout the UK and Europe. They have also recorded several albums, including Bach's Brandenburg Concertos and his Orchestral Suites. In addition to their performances of Bach's music, the ensemble has also commissioned and premiered works by contemporary composers. These include pieces by Michael Nyman, Steve Martland, and Graham Fitkin. The ensemble has received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 1983, they were awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society's Ensemble Award for their contributions to the performance of Baroque music. They have also been nominated for several Grammy Awards for their recordings. Despite changes in personnel over the years, the English Bach Festival Percussion Ensemble continues to be a leading interpreter of Bach's music. Their innovative and dynamic performances have inspired audiences and musicians alike, and their legacy as one of the UK's premier classical music ensembles is secure.

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