Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Crossover

 

So Percussion is a contemporary classical music ensemble that was formed in 1999 by four students at the Yale School of Music. The group consists of Eric Beach, Josh Quillen, Adam Sliwinski, and Jason Treuting, who all share a passion for exploring the possibilities of percussion instruments and their role in modern music. The group's early years were spent performing in small venues and collaborating with other musicians and composers to create new works. They quickly gained a reputation for their innovative approach to percussion music, which often incorporated non-traditional instruments and techniques. One of the group's early highlights was their performance of Steve Reich's "Drumming" at the Bang on a Can Marathon in 2000. This performance helped to establish So Percussion as one of the leading ensembles in the contemporary classical music scene. Over the years, So Percussion has collaborated with a wide range of composers and performers, including David Lang, Bryce Dessner, and Caroline Shaw. They have also performed at major venues and festivals around the world, including Carnegie Hall, the Lincoln Center, and the Edinburgh International Festival. In 2007, So Percussion was awarded the Chamber Music America/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming, which recognized their commitment to exploring new and innovative approaches to percussion music. They have also been awarded grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the New York State Council on the Arts. One of the group's most notable collaborations was with the electronic musician Dan Deacon, with whom they created the album "Ghostbuster Cook: The Origin of the Riddler." This album, which was released in 2012, featured a unique blend of electronic and acoustic sounds, and showcased the group's versatility and willingness to experiment with different genres and styles. In addition to their work as performers, So Percussion is also committed to education and outreach. They have conducted workshops and masterclasses at universities and music schools around the world, and have developed a number of educational programs for students of all ages. Overall, So Percussion has established themselves as one of the most innovative and exciting ensembles in the contemporary classical music scene. Their willingness to experiment with different sounds and styles, and their commitment to collaboration and education, have made them a beloved and respected group among both audiences and fellow musicians.

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