Percussia, a New York City-based chamber music ensemble, makes percussion the foundation for a new sound. Playing both world and Western percussion instruments, the group melds the music of different lands into its own contemporary soundscape. The resulting international music crosses genres, styles, and cultural boundaries, connecting people through music’s common thread of percussion. Percussia’s varied repertoire is a mixture of contemporary chamber music, world and folk music styles, and original arrangements. While percussion takes center stage, the group blends its rhythm with melodic instruments for added dimension.
Percussia gives dynamic and engaging performances. Audiences respond to the excitement of its rhythms and to the dynamic visual presence of the percussion. The ensemble performs in a variety of venues, ranging from concert halls, museums and libraries to downtown clubs and public spaces. Notable past appearances include performances at the innovative Merkin Concert Hall and Symphony Space, both in New York City; a gala-style event at the New Directions in Percussion Festival at Cornell University; and a concert at The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery, a contemporary museum and performing art space at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York.
Percussia offers presenters the opportunity to provide audiences with a unique experience. This flexible ensemble can adapt to any budget or venue, from recital series to a downtown club, by playing with just a few or many musicians. Its varied repertoire allows the group to play in a multitude of styles, connecting people and cultures through music. Percussia can also customize a program for a presenter’s particular needs, such as a geographic-themed concert or a performance geared for parents and children. Percussia is committed to working closely with presenters on benefiting the needs of the community.
In addition to performing, Percussia is available for music outreach programs for both children and adults. The group’s members can create school programs for students or act as musicians in residence for your organization. Percussia can design an outreach program of any length, whether it be a one-time lecture on chamber music or a multi-day tutorial on percussion instruments from around the world. As a teaching artist at Brooklyn Academy of Music, artistic director Ingrid Gordon is experienced working with school-based programs.
