The SOU Music Department presents special guest artists - Orphic Percussion as they present their flagship show "Unheard" on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 7:30pm at the SOU Music Recital Hall. 

$15 general admission/ $10 seniors. Free livestream: https://youtube.com/live/vizekvITE38?feature=share

PROGRAM

Muse of Fire* by Alexis Alrich
Rendezvous I* by Gary Heaton-Smith 
Gravity by Marc Mellits

INTERMISSION

Stress and Flow* by Alejandro Vinao 
Series of Accidents* by Shaun Tilburg 
Donner by David Skidmore 
Stuck in Loops* by Kenneth Froelich

*Commissioned work by Orphic Percussion

ABOUT THE ARTISTS:

Orphic Percussion is a Northern California-based percussion quartet dedicated to the creation and performance of new music. Orphic means "beyond ordinary," a phrase that characterizes the ensemble and its mission: to commission and premiere new works by today's most compelling composers; to broaden the audience for contemporary music; and to present concerts that are vibrantly communicative, musically expressive, and inspiringly virtuosic—or, quite simply—extraordinary.

The quartet, formed in 2017, has gained notoriety both stateside and abroad. Having presented multiple tours in the United States, as well as tours in both Germany and Austria, Orphic continues its mission of commissioning new works for Percussion Quartet. To date, the ensemble has over thirty original compositions to their commissioning credit.

Orphic’s recent highlights include international appearances at the Austria Day of Percussion in Hallein, Austria, and the Germany Day of Percussion in Nuremberg, Germany.  Orphic’s recital tours in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest involved both performances and well received masterclasses at several universities.  They received acclaim for the world premiere of Stefan Cwik’s Relics: Dances for Percussion Quartet and Orchestra with San Francisco’s Symphony Parnassus (nominated by the San Francisco Classical Voice for "Best New Music Performance" of the 2017-18 season).

Orphic will perform their flagship show, Orphic: Unheard, featuring a presentation of works commissioned by the ensemble. Covering a variety of genres and instrumentation, the program seeks to expose the listener to sounds that are sure to fascinate the senses. Works by Dave Skidmore, Kenneth Froelich, Shaun Tilburg, Alexis Alrich, Mark Mellits, Gary Heaton-Smith and Alejandro Viñao.

Orphic’s Fall 2024 tour will see familiar stops in the Pacific Northwest, this time featuring new repertoire all composed within the last decade. 

Orphic Percussion is sponsored by Marimba One, Black Swamp Percussion, and Beetle Percussion.