Praised by Time Out Chicago for their “chops, polish, and youthful joy in performing,” Third Coast Percussion (Clay Condon, Robert Dillon, Peter Martin, David Skidmore) effortlessly combines the energy of a rock concert with the finesse of classical chamber music. This Chicago-based group has swiftly gained national attention with their performances at the Kennedy Center and the Chicago Cultural Center, as well as their concert and festival appearances in Florida, California, Texas, and throughout the Chicago-land area. With repertoire and influences ranging from contemporary masters Steve Reich and Luciano Berio to electronica gurus Autechre and Aphex Twin, Third Coast Percussion is as dynamic and diverse as the musical landscape they inhabit in the 21st century. Third Coast Percussion has quickly established a reputation for their commitment to the highest standards in the performance of today’s music. The quartet is passionately dedicated to new American music, having commissioned, premiered and performed pieces by many of today’s preeminent up-and-coming composers. In Spring 2009, Third Coast will premiere a new large-scale multimedia work commissioned by the group from composer David T. Little. Alex Ross of The New Yorker recently described being “completely gripped” by Little’s music, proclaiming: “Every bad-a** new-music ensemble in the city will want to play him.” Originally formed in 2004 as a satellite of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago Chamber Music Program, Third Coast Percussion has maintained its dedication to educational outreach performances. The group currently serves as a 2008 Cultural Partner for the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra’s CONNECT program through the University of Chicago, and in 2008-09, will present master classes at the Universities of Texas, Kentucky, and Middle Tennessee, among others. Members of Third Coast Percussion hold degrees in music performance from Northwestern University, the Yale School of Music, the New England Conservatory, and Rutgers University. QUOTES: “Chops, polish, and youthful joy in performing” – Time Out Chicago “It is difficult to imagine a chamber group more sentient, dedicated and professional than Third Coast Percussion.” – Cliff Colnot, conductor