Psathas' majestic Cloud Folk makes full use of the many timbres and tones available in the percussion world, making it a highly fulfilling work for those ensembles who can master it. Cloud Folk's soundscape transforms in subtle shades, with the ensemble requiring an excellent grasp of technique to balance the work's layers of activity. Elsewhere in the work, dynamic passages provide platforms for exciting solo material to shine through.
John Psathas is a New Zealand freelance composer and teacher who, at a relatively early stage in his career, has established an international profile and receives regular commissions from organisations both in New Zealand and overseas. His works are championed around the world by a growing number of leading international artists, one of the most consistent of whom has been the Scottish percussionist Evelyn Glennie. Initially making a name for himself as a composer of high-energy percussion music, more recently the composer has concentrated on a series of larger-scale concertante works. A major career highlight to date has been the commission to compose the ceremonial music for the opening and closing of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. In 2005 John Psathas was created an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to music.
