The Maelström Percussion Ensemble is a uniquely dynamic musical collective. The group’s sound is a convergence of four distinct, yet overlapping  musical personalities - one voice composed of many. Maelström’s repertoire is a journey across this diverse musical landscape, at times negotiating the intricate complexities of the new music percussion ensemble, at times delving deeply into the powerful rhythms of Africa, Cuba, and Brazil. Then, taking the form of a “jazz/fusion quartet” - mallet-synth bass, drum set, marimba, and vibes - Maelström presents arrangements and original compositions that are fresh and driven by the intense energy of a seasoned ensemble. Masterful melodic and rhythmic improvisations, uniquely percussive power and precision, and a vast sound world that draws from the exotic as well as the electronic, Maelström combines all the forces of the contemporary percussionist in an exciting and innovative musical program.

The History of Maelström

    The Maelström Percussion Ensemble was formed  in 1982 by four graduate students from the State University of New York at Buffalo, one of the country’s primary centers for new music performance and composition. Throughout the 1980’s, the ensemble fine-tuned its mastery of the classic percussion repertoire as well as recent compositions by established and up-and-coming composers. An uncompromising dedication to contemporary chamber music has remained an important focus of the ensemble throughout its existence. Recent recordings include CD’s for Hat Art Records of Switzerland featuring the music of John Cage (1995), and Lou Harrison (2000).
    In 1985, Maelström embraced another long-term commitment, to bring percussion and contemporary music to school-aged children. The ensemble has crafted highly successful programs that have been offered through the  Lincoln Center Institute for the Arts and Young Audiences in Buffalo and Rochester. Maelström has developed its own arts in education program, the “Day Of Percussion for Schools and Communities.” This program for middle schools and high schools consists of a full day of assemblies and workshops that concludes with a formal concert and collaborations with student ensembles.
    In 1987, Maelström began producing an annual concert series. The group’s innovative programming and artistic excellence were quickly recognized and supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, and the New York State Council on the Arts. In 1989, the ensemble received a prestigious 3 year Residency Grant from   Chamber Music America and, in recent years, funding from the Aaron Copland Fund for Music. The quartet has performed at the Percussive Arts Society’s International Convention, the DCI World Championships and for the Kennedy Center’s Millenium Concert Series. The spectrum of Maelström’s repertoire can be heard on “Whirled Music,” and on the group’s most recent CD, "Bank Shots".