Percussion soloist Colin Currie
Scottish percussionist Colin Currie regularly appears with leading orchestras throughout the U.S. and Europe. His many solos this year included the first American performance of Steven Mackey’s Percussion Concerto with the Baltimore Symphony at Carnegie Hall as well as the European premiere of Jennifer Higdon’s Percussion Concerto with the London Philharmonic. He last appeared with the Minnesota Orchestra at MusicFest 2002.
Also active as a chamber artist, Currie gives frequent duo recitals with trumpeter Håkan Hardenberger, performing at venues in London, San Francisco and elsewhere.
James MacMillan’s Veni, Veni, Emmanuel
James MacMillan’s exhilarating percussion concerto Veni, Veni, Emmanuel is built around the 15th-century Advent plainsong O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. The soloist plays 18 different instruments, most prominently marimba and vibraphone, both of which receive extended solos.
Composer Missy Mazzoli to attend concerts
New York-based composer Missy Mazzoli, whose work These Worlds in Us opens these concerts, will attend both performances and will take part in pre-concert discussions of her music.
“These Worlds in Us was an audience favorite at the Orchestra’s 2006 Future Classics concert, the culminating event of our nationally-recognized Composer Institute,” says Aaron Jay Kernis, the Orchestra’s new music advisor. “A fresh, touching piece, it is an added bonus to the vivacious finale of our Percussion Festival.”
Additional Percussion Festival activities
At all Percussion Festival concerts, the upper level of Orchestra Hall’s lobby will be home to a Bongo Lounge. On Peavey Plaza, a “Sound Garden” bar will offer made-to-order brick oven pizzas and other dining options. The tap dance trio Rhythmic Circus will perform before the June 5 and 6 concerts. -- www.minnesotaorchestra.org
