NAU Percussion Ensemble Concert

With emphasis on percussion trios, quartets, quintets, and sextets, the diverse concert repertoire explores influences from the 2,200 year-old archeological treasure of terra-cotta warriors discovered in China, from the contemporary French choreographed hand-dancing and gestures upon small tables, and by the enthralling cluster maneuvers of massive flocks of birds.

The concert will begin with a heavy-drumming trio representation of the tomb guards in James Campbell’s Terra-cotta Warriors (The Ghost Army of Emperor Qin). From Swedish composer Anders Ȧstrand, the 2001 keyboard quintet Norrsken – The Nordic Light will portray an inspirational viewing of the Aurora Borealis. William Bolcom’s Graceful Ghost, arranged for percussion keyboard ensemble by Terry Smith, will feature the subtleties of four marimbas, vibraphone, and glockenspiel. Musique de Table (Table Music) by Thierry de Men, is a theatre work for three percussionists, each using a small table as their only instrument.the music is interpreted with subtlety and expression while giving particular care to choreographic aspects based upon highly specified sets of drawing gestures in the score.