The Los Angeles Percussion Quartet (LAPQ) is a classical music ensemble that specializes in contemporary percussion music. The group was founded in 2005 by four percussionists who were studying at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Since then, the LAPQ has become one of the most respected and innovative percussion ensembles in the world. The founding members of the LAPQ were Matt Cook, Justin DeHart, Nick Terry, and Cory Hills. All four were graduate students in the percussion program at UCLA, and they shared a passion for contemporary music and a desire to explore the possibilities of percussion as a solo and ensemble instrument. They began rehearsing together and performing in local venues, and soon gained a reputation for their virtuosic playing and adventurous programming. Over the years, the LAPQ has undergone some personnel changes, but the core mission and sound of the group has remained the same. The current members of the LAPQ are Matt Cook, Justin DeHart, Nick Terry, and Andrew McIntosh. Cook and DeHart are both founding members, while Terry joined the group in 2008 and McIntosh in 2017. All four members are accomplished percussionists and composers, and they bring a wide range of musical influences and experiences to the group. One of the LAPQ's main goals is to commission and perform new works by contemporary composers. The group has premiered over 100 new pieces since its founding, many of which were written specifically for the LAPQ. The group has worked with a diverse range of composers, from established figures like John Luther Adams and Steve Reich to up-and-coming talents like Ellen Reid and Sarah Hennies. The LAPQ's commitment to new music has helped to expand the repertoire for percussion ensemble and has contributed to the development of contemporary classical music as a whole. The LAPQ has performed at many of the world's leading concert halls and festivals, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, the Edinburgh International Festival, and the Ojai Music Festival. The group has also collaborated with a wide range of musicians and ensembles, including the Kronos Quartet, the Calder Quartet, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The LAPQ's performances are known for their energy, precision, and creativity, and the group has earned a reputation as one of the most exciting and innovative ensembles in contemporary classical music. In addition to its performances, the LAPQ is also committed to education and outreach. The group has conducted workshops and masterclasses at universities and music schools around the world, and has worked with young musicians to develop their skills and understanding of percussion music. The LAPQ has also released several recordings, including the critically acclaimed album "Beyond," which features works by John Cage, Lou Harrison, and James Tenney. The LAPQ has received numerous awards and honors for its work, including grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Aaron Copland Fund for Music. The group has also been recognized for its recordings, including a Grammy nomination for its album "Rupa-Khandha" in 2018. The LAPQ's commitment to new music and its dedication to excellence in performance have made it one of the most important and influential ensembles in contemporary classical music.

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