Louie's Cage Percussion is a classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their unique sound and innovative performances since their founding in 2003. The ensemble is named after the renowned American composer John Cage, who is known for his experimental approach to music. The founding members of Louie's Cage Percussion are percussionists Louie Bellson and Cage Yang. Bellson is a highly respected percussionist who has performed with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Benny Goodman. Yang, on the other hand, is a classically trained percussionist who has performed with various orchestras and ensembles in Taiwan and the United States. The duo first met in 2002 when they were both studying at the Juilliard School in New York City. They quickly discovered a shared passion for percussion music and decided to form their own ensemble. They recruited two more percussionists, Wei-Chen Lin and Chih-Hsien Yang, to complete the quartet. Louie's Cage Percussion quickly gained a reputation for their innovative approach to percussion music. They incorporate a wide range of percussion instruments into their performances, including marimbas, xylophones, drums, and cymbals. They also experiment with different playing techniques, such as using mallets, brushes, and even their hands to create unique sounds. One of the highlights of Louie's Cage Percussion's career was their performance at the 2006 Taipei International Percussion Convention. They were the only ensemble from Taiwan to be invited to perform at the convention, which featured some of the world's most renowned percussionists. Louie's Cage Percussion received a standing ovation for their performance, which included a rendition of John Cage's iconic piece, 4'33". In 2008, Louie's Cage Percussion released their debut album, "Percussion Quartet." The album features a mix of classical and contemporary percussion music, including pieces by John Cage, Steve Reich, and Lou Harrison. The album received critical acclaim and helped to establish the ensemble as one of the leading percussion groups in Taiwan. Over the years, Louie's Cage Percussion has performed at numerous festivals and concerts around the world. They have collaborated with a wide range of musicians, including pianist Chen Pi-hsien and cellist Yo-Yo Ma. They have also been featured on several television programs and have released several more albums, including "Percussion Quartet II" and "Percussion Quartet III." In 2015, Louie's Cage Percussion was awarded the Golden Melody Award for Best Instrumental Album for their album "Percussion Quartet III." The Golden Melody Awards are the most prestigious music awards in Taiwan and are often referred to as the "Taiwanese Grammy Awards." The award was a testament to the ensemble's talent and dedication to their craft. Today, Louie's Cage Percussion continues to push the boundaries of percussion music and inspire audiences around the world. They are known for their electrifying performances and their ability to create a wide range of sounds and textures using only percussion instruments. The ensemble's dedication to their craft and their innovative approach to music have made them one of the most respected and admired percussion groups in the world.

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