Genre

:

Chamber

 

Nexus is a classical music ensemble that has been active since 1971. The group is known for its innovative approach to percussion music, blending traditional and contemporary styles to create a unique sound. Nexus has performed all over the world, collaborating with some of the most renowned musicians and composers of our time. Founding Nexus was founded in 1971 by four percussionists: Bob Becker, Bill Cahn, Robin Engelman, and Russell Hartenberger. The group was formed while the members were studying at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. They were all interested in exploring the possibilities of percussion music beyond the traditional orchestral repertoire. The name "Nexus" was chosen to reflect the group's mission of creating connections between different musical traditions and cultures. The members of Nexus were inspired by the work of composer John Cage, who had experimented with percussion music in the 1950s and 60s. Main Members Over the years, Nexus has had several different members, but the core group has remained relatively stable. The current members of Nexus are Bob Becker, Bill Cahn, Garry Kvistad, and Russell Hartenberger. Bob Becker is a composer and percussionist who has been with Nexus since its founding. He has written many pieces for the group, including "Palta," which was inspired by the music of the Andes. Bill Cahn is a percussionist and composer who has also been with Nexus since its founding. He has written many pieces for the group, including "The Crystal Cabinet," which was inspired by the poetry of William Blake. Garry Kvistad is a percussionist and instrument maker who joined Nexus in 2002. He is known for his work with the company Woodstock Chimes, which produces wind chimes and other musical instruments. Russell Hartenberger is a percussionist and composer who has been with Nexus since its founding. He has written many pieces for the group, including "The Invisible Proverb," which was inspired by the poetry of Rumi. Highlights of Major Performances and Awards Nexus has performed all over the world, collaborating with some of the most renowned musicians and composers of our time. Some of the group's most notable performances include: - In 1976, Nexus performed at the Montreal Olympics, where they played a piece by composer Steve Reich called "Music for Pieces of Wood." - In 1984, Nexus performed at the Lincoln Center in New York City, where they played a piece by composer Philip Glass called "Music in Similar Motion." - In 1990, Nexus performed at the Berlin Philharmonic, where they played a piece by composer Toru Takemitsu called "From me flows what you call Time." - In 2000, Nexus performed at the Sydney Opera House, where they played a piece by composer Peter Sculthorpe called "Earth Cry." Nexus has also won several awards over the years, including: - In 1985, Nexus won a Grammy Award for Best Chamber Music Performance for their album "Music for Pieces of Wood." - In 1999, Nexus won a Juno Award for Best Classical Album for their album "Nexus at the Four Seasons." - In 2002, Nexus won a Grammy Award for Best Small Ensemble Performance for their album "Music of Peter Schickele." Conclusion Nexus is a classical music ensemble that has been active since 1971. The group is known for its innovative approach to percussion music, blending traditional and contemporary styles to create a unique sound.

More....