Willamette University presents Ethos Percussion Group

On April 17 at 8 p.m. in Rogers Music Center, Willamette University’s Grace Goudy Distinguished Artists Series will present Ethos Percussion Group performing “Points of Departure: Music for Percussion Inspired by Four Continents.”

Hailed by critics as "spellbinding," "astonishing" and "immaculate,” the Ethos Percussion Group seamlessly transports global influences into Western chamber music to create a visually and aurally compelling experience. Equally at home with contemporary classical repertoire or in collaborations with master musicians from non-Western traditions, Ethos performs pieces inspired by ancient traditions and non-western practices. The Salem program includes music evoking the ancient Ziggurats of Mesopotamia, music inspired by folkloric animism and trance music, and a work inspired by the gamelan gandrung of Indonesia.

In addition to the concert, the public is invited to attend a two-hour percussion master class on April 15 at 10:30 a.m. and the April 16 “Student Composer’s Reading & Recording Session” from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Both will be held in the university’s Rogers Music Center.

"Bringing an ensemble like Ethos will have an enormous impact on Willamette’s music department because of the group’s versatility,” says Anita King, series co-director and professor of music. “Ethos regularly commissions new pieces for percussion, and several of the group’s members are also composers. In addition to working with individual percussionists and composers, Ethos will work with students in the Willamette Jazz Ensemble and a free improvisation class.”

General admission seating for the April 17 concert is available through absolutelytix.com, Travel Salem or at the door. Tickets are $23. In addition to discounts for Willamette students, faculty and staff, students with ID can buy tickets for $8. At the box office on the day of the event, Oregon Trail Card-holders can purchase tickets for $5.