Director’s Choice

Director’s Choice

A percussion concert may feature diversified style – Chinese luogu, orchestra, and contemporary percussion ensemble. The following three are recommendations by Louis Siu.

1 Percussion Section of Philharmonic Orchestra

Concert preparation by the percussionist from San

Francisco Symphony

“I embark on my music journey as a percussionist in a philharmonic orchestra, apprenticing from their lead percussionist. I used to serve as the teaching artist of San Francisco Symphony as well.”

The orchestra was preparing for Symphony No. 4. As shown in the clip, the percussionist was adjusting his timpani drums and cymbals for the appropriate timbre.

2 Contemporary percussion ensemble Elegy: Snow in June by Tan Dun

Performing Unit: The Third Coast Percussion

“As a composer, Tan earned his reputation with Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. He is particular interested in the changing nature of percussion gigs. The performing unit – The Third Coast Percussion – is not only Grammy winner but strategic partner of Toolbox Percussion.”

Inspired by a play under the same title by Guan Hangqing, playwright in the Yuan Dynasty, the piece is a concerto rendered by a cello and percussion quartet.

3 Percussion Ensemble Drumming by Steve Reich

Performing Unit: Colin Currie Group

“Colin Currie Group is specialised in reciting music score by Steve Reich, a US minimalistic composer, whose minimalistic oeuvres are epitomised by Drumming.”

The tempo of Drumming is embodied with a single drum. As musicians join in, monophonic notes of different lengths are gradually produced. Piling up tempos and timbre, the music is collaboratively delivered by 12 musicians, whose instruments include drums, marimba, piccolo, and vocal music.