Updated July 17, 2024
The 15-member CMU Percussion Ensemble was honored to be invited to perform in the Edeta Arts Percussion Festival July 1-6. The festival took place in Valencia, Spain, with performances in the Valencia region, including the UNESCO City of Music, Llíria. The ensemble was one of eight traveling from the United States, including groups from University of Wisconsin Madison, University of Oregon, Texas Tech University, Bowling Green State University, Western Washington University, Central Washington University and Ohio University.
The ensemble performed a full-length feature concert at Valencia Conservatory and a piece in a Gala concert in Alicante, Spain. Director Darin Kamstra, DMA, composed a work for percussion ensemble specifically for these performances, entitled Colorado River. In addition, the ensemble performed as part of the world premiere performance of a composition by Fulbright-Hays Fellow Michael Udow in Llíria entitled The Twelve Labors of Hercules. All eight percussion groups joined other ensembles from around the world for this extravagant performance featuring bowed and plucked string orchestras, brass band, choir and narrator.
In addition to the performances, students had the opportunity to do some sight-seeing and participated in a Flamenco workshop. Trips like these are an important aspect of student musicians' education as they train the students for the realities of being a touring percussionist — including performing on instruments that are different from the ones rehearsed on. Percussion instruments are not always practical to travel with so touring musicians often have to rely upon the instruments provided by the venue. The students were also exposed to ensembles playing in styles new to their ears, expanding their points of view and igniting their imaginations.
The CMU Percussion Ensemble will perform during the 2024-25 season. Watch for concert announcements and ticket sales at cmustages.com.