BMOP‘s “Bang the Drum” Celebrates Percussion with Premieres and a Schuller Centennial Tribute
the Boston Modern Orchestra Project (BMOP) will present a dynamic and innovative orchestral concert, “Bang the Drum,” on October 4, 2025, dedicated to exploring the captivating world of percussion. This performance promises an evening of powerful rhythms, resonant textures, and groundbreaking compositions, showcasing the instrument family’s remarkable versatility and expressive capabilities.
A Program of Innovation and remembrance
“Bang the Drum” features two meaningful works: the Boston premiere of Richard Danielpour’s Celestial Circus (2014) and a centennial tribute to the influential composer Gunther Schuller with his Grand Concerto for Percussion and Keyboards (2005).
Richard Danielpour’s Celestial Circus is a compelling piece designed for three percussionists. The work is described as a captivating exploration that transcends conventional boundaries, evoking imagery of both earthly rituals and the vastness of the cosmos. Danielpour,a highly respected contemporary composer known for his lyrical and dramatic style,creates a sonic landscape that is both visceral and ethereal.
The concert also serves as a significant homage to Gunther Schuller, a pivotal figure in 20th and 21st-century music, marking the centennial of his birth (1925-2015). Schuller was a composer, conductor, horn player, scholar, and educator who profoundly impacted the landscape of American music. His Grand Concerto for Percussion and Keyboards is a significant and virtuosic work, calling for eight percussionists, harp, cello, and a full ensemble. This enterprising composition exemplifies schuller’s innovative spirit and his dedication to exploring new sonic possibilities. The concerto is a fitting tribute to a composer who consistently challenged conventional musical norms and championed the exploration of new musical territories.
About the Boston Modern Orchestra Project (BMOP)
The Boston Modern Orchestra Project is a critically acclaimed ensemble dedicated to performing and recording music of the 20th and 21st centuries. Founded in 1996, BMOP has established itself as a leading advocate for contemporary composers and a vital force in the new music scene. BMOP’s commitment to artistic excellence and its adventurous programming have earned it a national reputation for innovation and quality.
Event Details:
* Event: Bang the Drum
* Orchestra: Boston Modern Orchestra Project (BMOP)
* Date: October 4, 2025
* Composers Featured: Richard Danielpour, Gunther Schuller
Keywords: BMOP, Boston Modern Orchestra Project, contemporary music, orchestral music, percussion music, Richard Danielpour, Celestial Circus, Gunther Schuller, Grand Concerto for Percussion and Keyboards, new music, classical music, Boston concerts, 2025 concerts, orchestral percussion, modern classical music.
Sources:
* https://www.bmop.org/ (Boston Modern Orchestra Project official website – for event details and ensemble data)
* https://www.richarddanielpour.com/ (Richard Danielpour official website – for composer biography and work information)
* https://www.gunterschuller.org/ (Gunther Schuller official website – for composer biography and work information)
* AllMusic.com (for biographical and compositional information on both composers)