An entire week of music-making from the Vale Of Glamorgan Festival would have a final few days of inspiration, and also disappointment. Workshops with both the Carducci Quartet and Sandbox Percussion saw the Peter Reynolds Composers Studio try out new work for these world class players. A variety of inspiration came from Spanish guitar, the noise of an MRI scanner and the dying of a star.
Another big event in the festival that sadly had to be postponed (again) was John Luther Adams’ Inuksuit, due to poor weather conditions – though I did hear a run-through a few hours prior went well. Sandbox Percussion, who were going to muck about with the students for Inuksuit, did not have their time wasted thanks to their blazing concert at the Royal Welsh College the next day.
Seven Pillars by Andy Akiho is Grammy-nominated and you can see why. This quartet of players (Ian Rosenbaum, Jonathan Allen, Terry Sweeney and Victor Caccese) have oodles of theatrical flare, not only playing their assortment of percussion but moving within the space. The lighting, by Michael Joseph McQuilken, uses LED strobes for an array of flickering, throbbing and flashing; other than small bulbs enabling the quartet to see their instruments, this remains the only source of light on stage, adding depth, a moody atmosphere and a rave-like feel.
Around 80 minutes in length, Seven Pillars really shows off Sandbox Percussion’s talents. Steve Reich and others paved the way for work like this highly polished performance: a thumping, unrelenting cascade of percussion, it’s hard not to be swept away by the rhythmic allure. Sweet moments for a solo would be met with volcanic outbursts for all four. The word funky is often used for percussion, and here it remained the definition of; moreover, the elemental power and strength that went into their efforts can’t be underestimated. In some funny moments, the players revolve the vibraphone as another is playing, thus proving further athleticism.
Though Sandbox Percussion had their UK premiere back in 2019 at this very festival, one feels they could now become a homestay. We’d be delighted to have them back.
Sandbox Percussion, Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff, Thurs 29 Sept
Vale Of Glamorgan Festival will return in 2023
words JAMES ELLIS
