University of Toronto Percussion Ensemble perform Kyoto

About
From Steve Reich’s “Music for Pieces of Wood,” “Mallet Quartet” and John Psathas’ “Kyoto”, these talented young percussionists explore groove, pulse and timbre with unrivalled joy and rhythmic energy. The concert will start with two pieces by American composer Steve Reich, one of the most celebrated composers of our time. Many of his works feature percussion due to his long-time collaborations with musicians such as Russell Hartenberger and Bob Becker.

“Music for Pieces of Wood” features five pairs of tuned claves, interplaying rhythmically and melodically, mimicking sounds of nature. Steve Reich’s “Mallet Quartet” is a sound bath featuring lush and beautiful harmony of four percussion keyboard instruments as well as the signature rhythmic drive found in Reich’s music.

The piece, “Kyoto,” was commissioned by Taiwan’s Ju Percussion for one of the international percussion festivals the group hosts every three years. It has become a classic in the percussion ensemble repertoire.

Program:
Music for Pieces of Wood by Steve Reich

New piece by Michale Oesterle (premiere)

Mallet Quartet by Steve Reich

Torque by Vijay Iyer

Kyoto by John Psathas

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