Give to Percussion Australia to ensure the Beat Goes On!

Dear Valued Supporter,

We've become Percussion Australia! 

But what’s in a name change? Well, we feel that Percussion Australia clearly defines what we do as a company and more importantly, where we are heading. Key pillars are still our ‘house bands’ Taikoz and Synergy Percussion, and our chief education platform the Australian Taiko Academy. This is our engine room, or perhaps more appropriately – like the immortal Buddy Rich – the drummer driving the band!

But soon, we will see other projects joining the fold, including our upcoming BOOM! International Festival of Percussion (September 12-19), followed in the next few years by our Percussion Of The World Academy, a pre-professional education program for Australia’s leading young percussionists, and an annual series of concerts and events.

Here is a list of projects and commissions that will benefit hugely from your support…

≠ A new work for BOOM!  by Timothy Constable (Percussionist of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and previous Synergy Artistic Director). Timothy’s piece will feature all 13 BOOM! Gala Concert artists and will be premiered on the stage of the Sydney Town Hall as the grand finale of the September 19 performance.

≠ A new work by composer/performer Daryl Pratt and University of Sydney Lecturer in Composition Michael Smetanin scored for improvising percussionist, percussion quartet, electronica and original digital visualisations. This work will receive its World Premiere during our week-long program of BOOM! events.

≠ In early 2022, Taikoz is presenting a new project called Deep Frequencies. Central to the program is a new work called Songs And Grooves by internationally recognised composer Luke Styles. Luke writes, “Songs And Grooves is scored for five taiko players and an ensemble of two synthesizers, bass clarinet and tenor saxophone. As the title suggests, Songs emerge from the saxophone and bass clarinet, underpinned by the synthesizers adding a jazz-funk infused harmonic basis, which are smashed against the driving rhythmic Grooves of Taikoz.”

≠ Later in 2022, we will launch the first stream of our Percussion Of The World Academy: Afro Cuban percussion. Apart from classes, lessons and workshops, a roster of great artists including Juan Carlos Allende and Georgio Rojas will present a super dynamic concert series. 

≠ Lastly, we plan to (finally) move into our new home in 2022, which will enable us to fulfil all these fabulous projects, as well as expand existing programs.

However, we can’t realise all of this great work without ongoing support from you, our magnificent and magnificently generous donors. Thank you for all the support you have given us, and we ask that you consider continuing your support as we grow and work towards a wonderful future for our art, artists and community.

 Thank you, as always, from all of us at Percussion Australia. We wish you all good health and happiness.

Ian and the Team

Support Percussion Australia

So we may continue to:

• Produce percussive music concerts of international excellence.
• Champion contemporary Australian Art Music.
• Add to our already impressive list of Composer Commissions.
• Present yearly term classes and one off workshops for the community.
• Present School shows, workshops and education resources.

DONORS MAKE IT HAPPEN

Be part of the excitement

              PLEASE SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER VIA WWW.TAIKOZ.COM

Synergy Percussion and Taikoz are two of the most unique and world-renowned ensembles at the forefront of contemporary percussion music.

Artistic Directors of Synergy and Taikoz, Ian Cleworth, is an exemplary musician and inspiring leader, and our team of percussionists and taiko players evince the most vital qualities of the very best music making: skill, integrity, passion and dedication.

Producing our extensive program requires a range of support and we ask you as one of our fantastic supporters, to not only continue to support our great ensembles and activities but to help us by championing our work to your friends and associates. 

Our history is long and we ask you to please help us continue to create great Australian Music and champion great Australian Composers.

Your assistance will help us repair and maintain our instruments, enable us to develop new talent for the ensembles, provide much needed rehearsal facilities for the ensembles and most importantly present our yearly concert programs, school shows and community classes.

All donations over $5,000 will be acknowledged as a Commissioning Circle member and all donations over $500 will be acknowledged as an Inner Beat Circle member. This ensures you are the first to hear about the artistic direction and vision, receive briefings on the ensembles, be invited to private performances and enjoy opportunities to meet with the artists. 

How will the funds be used?

Synergy & Taikoz Lts t/as Percussion Australia relies on personal donations to:

• continue to expand our national and international recognition as a company driving music innovation and excellence
• develop and deliver projects that contribute to the advancement of percussion music nationally and internationally
• inspire young artists to pursue percussion as an artform
• increase audience numbers through the presentation of a diverse range of performances
• continue to expand our reach into the community through workshops, open days, community classes and the expansion of our successful teaching program

Key areas of expenditure

• commissioning new compositions by leading composers
• purchase of new musical instruments and equipment
• repair and maintenance of musical instruments
• artist fees for creative development workshops
• the fit-out of new premises