Get ready for a powerful dose of drumming, hammering and rattling: the 12th International Percussion Festival “Sources and Inspirations” is almost here! Concerts at the Academy of Music in Kraków feature the Cuban percussionist Ernesto Simpson who often performs alongside star such as Arturo Sandoval and Candy Dulfer, and dance club electrojazz straight from Tel Aviv performed by Amir Bresler and his Liquid Saloon. We will also hear the HERD ensemble from Helsinki led by the incredible vibraphonist Panu Savolainen, while the leader of the Vladiswar Nadishana Trio specialises in the UFO-shaped hang drum, one of the youngest instruments in the world with an unusual sound. Contemporary chamber music is represented by the Nürnberg Percussion Group and Amadrums Percussion Group from Kraków, led by Jan Pilch, founder and artistic director of the festival. The dazzling future of percussion is revealed by students at Polish music academies and the young Dalbergia Duo specialising in the marimba. Let the rhythm carry you! (Barbara Skowrońska)

7 November 2018
ACADEMY OF MUSIC 6pm » Contemporary Percussion Chamber Music
Nürnberg Percussion Group, Amadrums Percussion Group, Justyna Adamczyk (flute), Cecylia Stanecka (cello), Błażej Kozłowski, Jan Pilch (conductors)
J. Psathas Kyoto Quintett, I. Bazelon Fourscore, A. Valero Castells RRRRR!, I. Xennakis Rebonds B, M. Ptaszyńska Siderals, A. Jolivet Suite en concert pour flûte et percussion, T. Dun Snow in June

8 November 2018
ACADEMY OF MUSIC 7pm » Different Faces of the Same Instrument
Ernesto Simpson – Special Edition, Joachim Mencel (piano), Maciej Adamczak (double bass), Amir Bresler & Liquid Saloon

9 November 2018
ACADEMY OF MUSIC 7pm » Melodic Percussion Instruments
Panu Savolainen Trio, Vladiswar Nadishana Trio

10 November 2018
ACADEMY OF MUSIC 6pm » Young Polish Percussion – Hopes for the Future
students of Polish music universities, special guest Dalbergia Duo: Anna Rutkowska, Julianna Siedler-Smuga (marimbas)