University of Tennessee Percussion Ensemble

Performer Details

Performer Bio Synopsis

The University of Tennessee Percussion Ensemble (UTPE), under the direction of Andrew Bliss, is dedicated to performing, recording, and commissioning works for contemporary percussion. The ensemble's mission emphasizes collaboration with both performers and composers, fostering a dynamic and innovative musical environment. Since 2011, UTPE has built a reputation for delivering innovative performances and collaborations. The ensemble is a regular participant at the Big Ears Festival, where they've collaborated with notable figures such as Michael Gordon and the Bang on a Can All-Stars for the U.S. premiere of "Big Space;" So Percussion, Caroline Shaw, Shodekeh, and the Kronos Quartet on a performance of "Amid the Noise;" and a 100-person performance alongside composer Michael Pisaro of his work "A wave and waves" at the Knoxville Museum of Art. Additionally, a notable outdoor performance of John Luther Adams' "Inuksuit" in collaboration with the composer at Knoxville's Ijams Nature Center received critical acclaim from multiple press outlets. The ensemble's versatility is evident in its diverse repertoire and performances. They have collaborated with Jessica Aszodi on Györgi Ligeti's "Síppal, dobbal, nádihegedüvel" for mezzo-soprano and four percussionists, prepared a fully improvised concert with guest artist Mike Gould, and delivered the world premiere of Matthew Burtner's telematic opera "Auksalaq" in Indianapolis, IN with artists around the globe. The ensemble's excellence has been recognized at national events, where UTPE has made its mark at various festivals and competitions. UTPE performed the New Literature Showcase Concert at the 2015 Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) in San Antonio, TX; was featured at the 2017 PASIC Focus Day; and won the 2018 PAS International Percussion Ensemble Competition, leading to a PASIC Showcase Concert in Indianapolis, IN. The ensemble has appeared twice at the McCormick Marimba Festival in Tampa, FL, premiering David Crowell's "Music for Percussion Quartet" and Alejandro Viñao's 3-movement trio "Relative Riffs," alongside a rarely-heard performance of James Wood’s "Starlings" from "Cloud Polyphonies." Locally, UTPE has been a staple in the Knoxville community, performing Steve Reich's "Drumming" at the Knoxville 225th Birthday Celebration in Krutch Park, and presented rarely-heard music by Michael Maierhof and Simon Løffler at Knoxville's Arts & Culture Alliance. Other significant collaborations include working with Jennifer Higdon on her 12-player composition "Like Clockwork," performing alongside Marc Mellits on Steve Reich’s "Music for 18 Musicians;" premiering Evan Chapman's "night light(ning)" and "Honeybee, 1820;" and working with composer Alexander Lunsqui on his percussion quartet "Yazz." Throughout its journey, UTPE has shared the stage with renowned percussionists including Evaristo Aguilar, Anders Åstrand, Michael Burritt, James Campbell, Robert Chappell, Mike Mixtacki, Susan Powell, Josh Quillen, Andy Smith, Ivan Trevino, and Kendall Williams. The University of Tennessee Percussion Ensemble extends its gratitude to Yamaha, Zildjian, Innovative Percussion, Evans Drumheads, Black Swamp Percussion, and Meinl Percussion for their continued support of Andrew Bliss and the University of Tennessee Percussion Studies program.

University of Tennessee Percussion Ensemble

Conductor's Bio

TBD