Percussion Ensemble
Percussion and the environment is the focus of this semester’s Percussion Ensemble Concert and Day of Percussion. Following the theme of last spring’s outdoor performance of Inuksuit by John Luther Adams, the KSC Percussion Ensemble is continuing to work with artists and compositions that enhance environmental awareness and sustainability.
One special guest this year is Donald Knaack, The Vermont Junk Man. Mr. Knaack will be the soloist in his piece Junk Music for 6 players performing on 100% recycled instruments and “found objects.” Wine bottles, tin cans, scrap lumber, washboards, corrugated metals are just some of the found objects. Long before Stomp and the Blue Man Group, composers like John Cage were incorporating junk into their compositions. Donald Knaack was actually a student of John Cage. His music is often placed and heard on ESPN, the NBA, and Electronic Arts.
Another guest soloist is Sayun Chang, who will be performing Frederic Rzewski’s To The Earth. This piece is written for tuned flower pots and recited poetry. A nature based composer, Peter Garland, is also on the show with his ethereal meditation, Apple Blossom. Various other percussion orchestrations will be represented in works by Tom Johnson, Ivan Trevino, and Anthony Miranda.
Donald Knaack gives a lecture and open rehearsal in the recital hall at 12 PM. At 2 PM there will be a panel discussion on “Percussion and the Environment” with percussionists Donald Knaack, Amy Garapic, Christopher Swist, and Sayun Chang. The lecture, rehearsal and discussion are free of charge.
7:30 PM is the showcase concert concluding the Day of Percussion. Advanced purchase of tickets ($5 & $10) is recommended for this event. Visit the Box Office's website or call (603) 358-2168. The link also has information on Redfern membership, discounts for seniors, students, carpoolers and Alumni, seating charts, and directions.
Dinner and a Show. Enhance your evening at the Redfern Arts Center with a delicious meal in Keene before or after the show! The Redfern is partnering with five local restaurants -- Elm City Brewing Company, Fireworks in Keene, McCue's, Nicola¹s Trattoria, and The Pub -- to offer a 10% discount on regular priced items for ticket holders on the night of each performance. Just present your Redfern ticket to any of the five locations listed to receive the discount.
To request accommodations for a disability, please contact the coordinator at least two weeks prior to the event.
