Percussion Happening

Forbidden Love, or what you’re not supposed to be doing. As a student at the conservatory, our portrait artist Julia Wolfe wrote a piece for a string quartet... but not quite. Instead of four string players, four percussionists play the violins, viola and cello in unorthodox ways. So instead of romantic melodies, expect rhythmic patterns and sound experiments that emerge when you strike the strings, rub the wood and apply all kinds of other unexpected techniques. Four percussionists from Bl!ndman take up the challenge and turn the violin inside out. Even without its lyricism, the instrument has something to say.  

The audiovisual art of the Japanese phenomenon Ryoji Ikeda is as minimalist as it is breathtaking. He plays with the limits of human senses by transforming mathematical concepts, computer data, sound and light with scientific precision into works of elusive power and beauty. In his music for percussion, Ikeda has deliberately discarded electronic gadgets. He only works with acoustic instruments or objects until sounds emerge that sound suspiciously close to electronic music. Cymbals, triangles, books, tables, pieces of paper, pencils or even basketballs: nothing is too strange to make music with. The visual aspect is never neglected either: the percussionists play the geometrically arranged instruments and objects with the precision of choreographers.  

Traditional music from Korea, also known as Gugak, has a rich and diverse history with many different branches, ranging from court music and folk songs to accompaniment for shamanic ritual. Dauntlessly, the three traditional Korean percussionists of Groove& lend the music an interpretation all of their own. Armed with a lavish array of Korean percussion instruments and taking traditional rhythms as their starting point, they make music with an irresistible and sophisticated groove. 

Mark Giuliana has been making a name for himself for years as one of the most original contemporary jazz drummers. As well as in his own formations such as Heernt and the Mark Giuliana Jazz Quartet, he has worked with big names such as Brad Mehldau (Mehliana), Avishai Cohen and David Bowie (Blackstar). MARK is Giuliana’s first solo album. As well as on the drums, you will hear Giuliana on the piano, synths and an entire range of percussion instruments. Leaving genre behind, he enthusiastically explores new terrain: Giuliana’s typical grooves nestle comfortably among intriguing soundscapes, unexpected synths and even snatches of spoken word.