Born in 1937, Maestro Abe is one of the first person to make Marimba a solo instrument and received the award from the Ministry of Culture for four times. Her repatoir spans Solo, popular, classic, Japanese folk songs to concerti. In 1981, she played "Lauda Concertata" with America Symphony (Dir. Comissioner) at the Carnegie Hall, and in 1988, she appeared at the Berlin Philharmony Hall.
She is also famous for her composition such as "Dream of Cherry Blossoms". Numerous CDs has been published.
She currently teaches at Toho Gakuen University.
(Modified 1999.7.12)

Ludwig Albert graduated with distinctions at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Antwerp, Belgium and obtained a first prize for percussion with Prof.L.Cauberghs.
After his study as musician and pedagogue , he cooperated with several orchestra's and teached at the Conservatory and the State School for art in Antwerp.
In 1993 he specialised in solo-marimba and recieved with distinctions the Honours Diplome of solo-marimba (prof.L.Ouderits) and participated several International Masterclasses( R.von Sice , Michael Roosen...) In 1994 , he was the first Belgian marimbist admitted to the Toho Gakuen Music School in Japan and studied with the world-famous marimba-virtuoso Ms.Keiko Abe.
Afterwards he was invited to perform with her in Japan and Belgium.

Starting 1995 he searched for new sound-combinations and founded the duo marimba-soprano, nowadays called Patrasche , embellished with percussion . By this combination of singing and marimba , they developed a style of their own , performing own compositions (L.Albert), creations, arrangements of songs and improvisations based on International traditional folksongs. Their musical combination evokes a fascinating world. For their first album "Japanese Impressions" ( label Digi-classics) they recieved International outstanding critics by press and media and they were guest of several
special dedicated radio-broadcastings. During 1996-97 , they performed abroad and were invited to perform several concerts in Japan. Afterwards they performed succesfully the INternational Concert-production "Dialogue in Nature " with Keiko Abe.
Starting 2000 they will release new albums with mainly improvisations , creations and arrangements of Belgian and European folksongs.

Aside his various marimba-recitals he's working intensively to promote the marimba as a solo-concertinstrument and is organising several marimba-projects. During 1996 he recieved the Europalia Cultural award , which has given him the possibility to continue his collaboration with Keiko Abe.
Recently he founded the first Belgian Marimba Society with mainly the purpose to increase the knowledge of the marimba and to organise several events.

In recent Years , aside performing and composing , he's working intensively to commission new pieces by Belgian composers. During 1999-2000 he will produce several new CD-albums in different musical styles by the label Talent Records, also to introduce the marimba to a general audience.
-The Dancing Marimba (own classical arrangements May 99')
-Marimba Freeze (techno Jazz, new-age July 99')
-Marimba Paraphrases ( masterworks for solo&duo marimba dec.99')
He will also publish a serial of his compositions , arrangements and a marimba-methode .

During 1999-2000 he will perform aside solo-concerts several new
concert-production:
-Wooden Conversation (with Kamiya Momoko,Shinsuke Ishihara-Japan)
-Dialogue in Nature (with Keiko Abe)
-Marimba Sounds (new CD-collection)
-Japanese Impressions (trio Patrasche-Japanese folksongs)
-Clanck & Sanck (trio Patrache - Belgian folksongs and creations)
-Het Quamen drij Coninghen (Patrache - Christmas songs)
-concert for children (Patrasche)
(Added 1999.4.11)

Thomas Alexander is currently one of the only British players giving regular full length solo marimba recitals, and is also the Musical Director of the chamber music group Melange. Thomas studied at the Royal Northern College of Music (UK), Rotterdam Conservatorium & the Sweelinck Conservatorium (Netherlands), and is teachers have included Ian Wright, Graham Johns, Robert Van Sice & Peter Prommel. He has given masterclasses at a number of institutions including the RNCM, Welsh College of Music & Drama, and the prestigious Chethams School.

As a chamber musician Thomas has worked with a wide variety of musicians from the solo trombonist Christian Lindberg, to the Super Tramp saxophone player John Anthony Helliwell. He has performed full recitals in Britain, USA, Canada, Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy & Mexico. He has premiered over 30 solo & chamber works for marimba.

2003 will see the completion of his first solo CD and the launch of his website. To add yourself to the launch mailing list please send e-mail melangeensemble@yahoo.ca Subject: "subscribe" (Added 2003.1.11)

打楽器奏者。マリンバ演奏をメインに近年の音楽シーンで活躍。国立音楽大学を卒用語、アジア文化カウンシルの給費生としてアメリカに渡り、ミシガン大学音楽学部大学院を卒業。在学中はミシガン・パーカッション・アンサンブルの主要メンバーとして北米、日本ツアーに参加。1989年から活動を続けるパーカッション・デュオ「Chris & Shoko Percussion Duo」は「世界に類を見ない新時代の打楽器音楽のクリエーター」と評価されるなど、多くの舞台公演や音楽政策、CDなどが高い評価を得ている。
また様々な分野のアーティストとの共演も話題を呼び、国外のアートシーンで食う目されている。打楽器による音楽教育研究では多くの執筆やワークショップ、レクチャー、教科書絵の作品掲載などもある。

Salius Auglys was born in 1969, in Ukmerge, where he began his music studies. He is a graduate from the Vilnius J. Tallat ・Kelp啾 Music College. In 1988 he started his work at the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre and since 1993 he is head of the percussion section with the symphony orchestra of the theatre. S. Auglys studied the art of marimba with the marimba player from USA, Linda Maxey. S. Auglys plays Duglas De Morrow《 handmade marimba.
(Added 2002.05.03)

Daniel Berg was born 1971 in Stockholm, Sweden. He graduated, May 2000, and received a soloist diploma from Musikhogskolan, (the University College of Music) in Gothenburg. With this Daniel is the first student in Sweden who has graduated with the marimba as a solo instrument. Previously he has studied at the Music Conservatory in Rotterdam, Holland, where he received a soloist diploma 1997. His main teachers during the studying years have been Anders Astrand, Einar Nielsen and Robert van Sice.

Today, Daniel is teaching the marimba in the University College of Music in Gothenburg, and is frequently invited to the Nordic Music Conservatories as a guest teacher.

In his passion to promote the marimba as a solo instrument, Daniel has worked intimately with a number of composers, mainly Swedish, who have written original music for the instrument. Earlier this year, he performed with the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra and played for the first time a marimba-concerto composed by Anders Nilsson.

Daniel has made several recordings for the Swedish radio and television, and has recently finished the recording of a solo CD, which will be released in December 00.

Email: daniel.berg@hem.utfors.se (Added 2002.05.03)

<joby@newnoiselondon.com>
At only 25, Joby is already one of Britain's most diverse percussionists. He is a member of the internationally renowned percussion quartet Ensemble Bash (who have collaborated with artists including Joanna MacGregor, Django Bates, Steve Reich, Nitin Sawhney, Stewart Copeland, Hilliard Ensemble and the Pan African Orchestra), the new music group Ixion, the drum n bass influenced Couptone and a co-founder of new noise.

The unique ensemble new noise was born late in 1999, and comprises the 'beautiful sounds and effortless pyrotechnics' of oboist Janey Miller, with the 'dramatically explosive and virtousic playing' of Joby. New Noise are currently ensemble in residence with the Goldsmiths University Electronic Music Studios, artists for 'Live Music Now!' and have performed at festivals including; 'Rhythmsticks, at the South Bank Centre', 'Hoxton New Music Days', 'Warwick and Leamington', 'Chichester Festivities' and the BMIC's 'Cutting Edge Series/Tour 2001'.

Joby also performs and records with ensembles and artists including; London Sinfonietta, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Endymion Ensemble, Composers Ensemble, Sculpted Sound, Sinfonia 21, ECAT Ensemble, Sarah Leonard, John Kenny, Robert Tear, National Theatre Ensemble and The Ministry of Sound.

As a soloist Joby has made several broadcasts for BBC radio, and given performances at the Purcell Room and the Wigmore Hall, London. Joby's next major solo project is the premiere of a specially commissioned percussion concerto, at the Queen's Hall, Edinburgh in May 2003.

As an educator Joby currently teaches at Radley College Oxford - previously Bedfordshire County Music Service (1998-2002). Joby has also lectured at Dartington International Summer School, been heavily involved with the Wigmore Hall's education department, and adjudicated for the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition.

For more information on Joby's future activities visit www.newnoiselondon.com and www.ensemblebash.com


'Against a backdrop of taped fuzz and Latin American effects, and with a sense of dramatic ritual, Burgess improvised rhythms one would not have thought possible on the grain-filled lollipops (maracas)' Evening Standard

'Joby demonstrated his versatility as he switched deftly between hand percussion and stick work, creating wonderful dynamics with a wealth of expression. My Imagination has truly been ignited' Rhythm Magazine

'Percussionist Joby Burgess preyed on the tam-tams and vibes like a panther at bay - for my money, a star in the making' The Scotsman (Added 2002.2.16, Modified 2003.1.11)

Michael Burritt is currently Associate Professor and Director of Percussion Studies in the School of Music at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois where he has developed a program of international distinction. He previously held the same position at Kent State University from 1985-1995. Mr. Burritt is also a permanent guest professor at the Musikhogskolan in Pitea, Sweden and a member of the faculty for the Chautauqua summer music school. Mr. Burritt received his Bachelor and Master of Music Degrees as well as the prestigious Performerｹs Certificate from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. His teachers include John Beck, Gordon Stout, Paul Yancich and Herbert Flower.

Michael Burritt has become one of the worldｹs leading percussion artists and pedagogs, specializing in the area of marimba. He is in frequent demand giving concerts and lectures throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and Asia. He has released two solo recordings, Perpetual and Shadow Chasers, comprised of his own compositions as well as works commissioned expressly for him. Mr. Burritt is currently working on his third solo recording titled Waking Dreams, with the Resonator Records Label. He has been a featured artist at six Percussive Arts Society International Conventions and presented his New York debut in Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall.

Michael Burritt is also an active composer having written two books of etudes as well as numerous solo and chamber works for solo marimba, solo percussion and percussion ensemble. He is published with C. Alan Publications, Keyboard Percussion Publications, Ludwig Music Publishing, and Innovative Percussion. Mr. Burritt is an artist/clinician and product design consultant for Malletech where he has developed his own line of signature series mallets. He is also a Zildjian performing artist and educational consultant. Mr. Burritt is a member of the Percussive Arts Society Board of Directors and a contributing editor for Percussive Notes Magazine.
(Added 1997.6.12, updated 2002.5.3)

Born in 1943 and raised in Indiana, Gary Burton taught himself to play the vibraphone and, at the age of 17, made his recording debut in Nashville, Tennessee, with guitarists Hank Garland and Chet Atkins. Two years later, Burton left his studies at Berklee College of Music to join George Shearing and subsequently Stan Getz, with whom he worked from 1964-1966.

As a member of Getz's quartet, Burton won Down Beat magazine's Talent Deserving of Wider Recognition award in 1965. By the time he left Getz to form his own quartet in 1967, Burton had also recorded three albums under his name for RCA. Borrowing rhythms and sonorities from rock music, while maintaining jazz's emphasis on improvisation and harmonic complexity, Burton's first quartet attracted large audiences from both sides of the jazz-rock spectrum. Such albums as Duster and Lofty Fake Anagram established Burton and his band as progenitors of the jazz fusion phenomenon. Burton's burgeoning popularity was quickly validated by Down Beat magazine, which awarded him its Jazzman of the Year award in 1968. During his subsequent association with the label (1973-1988) the Burton Quartet expanded to include the young Pat Metheny on guitar, and the band began to explore a repertoire of modern compositions. In the '70s, Burton also began to focus on more intimate contexts for his music. His 1971 album Alone at Last, a solo vibraphone concert recorded at the 1971 Montreux Jazz Festival, was honored with a Grammy Award. Burton also turned to the rarely heard duo format, recording with bassist Steve Swallow, guitarist Ralph Towner, and most notably with pianist Chick Corea, thus cementing a long personal and professional relationship that has garnered an additional two Grammy Awards.

Also in the '70s, Burton began his career with Berklee College of Music in Boston. Burton began as a teacher of percussion and improvisation classes at Berklee in 1971. In 1985 he was named Dean of Curriculum. In 1989, he received an honorary doctorate of music from the college, and in 1996, he was appointed Executive Vice President.

Burton began recording for GRP records in the '80s and '90s. In 1990, he paired up again with his former prot馮・Metheny for Reunion, which landed him the top spot on Billboard magazine's jazz chart. Burton is now recording for Concord Records. Departure (Gary Burton & Friends) was released in 1997 by Concord Records as well as Native Sense , a new duet collaboration with Chick Corea, which garnered a Grammy Award in 1998. Also in 1997, Burton recorded his second collection of tango music, Astor Piazzolla Reunion, featuring the top tango musicians of Argentina, followed by this year's Libertango, another collection of Piazzolla music. His 1998 Concord release, Like Minds, an all-star hit featuring his frequent collaborators Chick Corea, Pat Metheny, Roy Haynes, and Dave Holland, was honored with a Grammy, Burton's fifth. Gary's vibraphone tribute CD, For Hamp, Red, Bags and Cal, will be released in March 2001 on Concord.

For 2001, Gary Burton plans to continue his dual careers as premier jazz vibraphonist and college vice president, performing concerts in South America, Europe, Asia, and the United States, and working closely with Berklee's college community.

Pedro Carneiro is one of the very few percussion players to have made an
international career as a soloist, and has established himself as one of the
world's foremost solo percussionists, performing regularly throughout
Europe, the Far East, and the USA.

Although still in his mid-twenties, Pedro Carneiro's artistry is well known
to audiences throughout the globe. His highly acclaimed performances include
appearances with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, London Mozart Players,
Portuguese Symphony, Orquesta de la Comunidad de Madrid, Orquestra Sinfonica
do Estado de Sao Paulo, Tampere Philharmonic, Gavle Symphony Orchestra and
the Estonian National Symphony, to name but a few.

A frequent recitalist and chamber musician, he has also appeared at
important venues and festivals, such as Chicago's Grant Park Festival,
London's Queen Elizabeth Hall and BBC Proms, Capital Theatre in Beijing and
the New Zealand International Festival of the Arts, performing with artists
such as the Chilingirian Quartet and Elisabeth Chojnacka.

His website can be found on the internet at www.pedrocarneiro.com.

(Added 1999.6.22, Updated 2001.1.4, Updated 2003.7.19)