World percussionists bring unique beat

By Chung Ah-young

Staff reporter

From bongos, congas, timpani, vibraphones, and glockenspiels to the tam-tam, the sounds of various percussion instruments are resonating at the first International Percussion Festival in Seoul.

World-class percussionists ― six soloists and five groups from six countries ― are convening at the Korea National University of Arts through July 30 to show the past, present and future of percussion.

Soloists Steve Houghton, Frederic Macarez, Eric Sammut, Klaus Tresselt, Marta Klimasara and Kim Eun-hye are taking part in the event.

Houghton is a world-renowned jazz drummer and percussionist who initially

received acclaim at the age of 20.He has more than 100 recordings to his credit as a participating artist.As a classical percussionist, the musician has performed with the Boston Pops and Philadelphia Pops as well as the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra.

He has performed as a soloist with numerous orchestras and wind ensembles throughout the world.

Specializing in the timpani, Macarez is one of the most prolific percussionists of his generation. As the Principal Timpanist of Orchestre de Paris (France), the French musician performs with the greatest conductors of the world and has acquired ample experience as a musician and a wide knowledge of repertoire and interpretation. He ha performed around Europe, Asia, North and South America for solo recitals and chamber music concerts.