First written for renowned Taiwanese Ju Percussion Group, Kyoto for percussion quintet is now available for purchase. This work is engaging with a hypnotic groove and constant pulse that sustains momentum throughout. It showcases keyboard percussion with two vibraphones, 5-octave marimba (shared between two players) and glockenspiel. Other percussion instruments add flourishes in this work including triangle, tom-toms and splash cymbal. One player within the quintet takes on the role as soloist on vibraphone. Kyoto is an outstanding work that is suitable for university-level or professional percussion ensembles.
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.
