Percussia

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 the 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 rhythms with melodic instruments for an added dimension. Led by artistic director Ingrid Gordon on percussion, the chamber music ensemble invites a variety of musicians to collaborate each year. This season’s members include Margaret Lancaste, flute; Lev “Ljova” Zhurbin, viola; Susan Jolles, harp; soprano Melissa Fogarty, and Andrea Pryor de Manrique, percussion. Percussia gives dynamic and engaging performances. Audiences respond to the excitement of its rhythms and to the dynamic visual presence of 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. beating a path to modern world music.