Colin will present an exciting three-part series, ‘Percussion Century’, on BBC Radio 3 beginning on Sunday 13 January at 11pm. He will introduce the wide array of colours and sounds the percussion family can conjure up, from visceral, thrilling and terrifying to ethereal, delicate and meditative. This will be Radio 3’s first in-depth series on the percussion family.
Colin said: "I am delighted to have put together a series on the fascinating story of how the world of percussion has boomed in the last 100 years or so. It’s a story of incredible composers, pioneering performers, experimentation and invention. I look forward to sharing some fabulous music with you. Do join me!”
Composers featured will range from Igor Stravinsky, Benjamin Britten, Steve Reich and John Cage, with performers including Kuniko Kato, Third Coast Percussion, Buddy Rich and Colin Currie himself.
Alan Davey, Controller BBC Radio 3, BBC Proms and BBC Orchestras and Choirs said: “We wanted to put percussion centre stage on BBC Radio 3 and I’m so pleased we have a leading percussionist to do just that for us in Colin Currie. He is one of the most notable percussionists of our time and was also a former BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist so there is a lovely circular rhythm to him coming back to us, and moving to the other side of the studio to present. Colin has an unrivalled knowledge and gift for communication, and we’re truly honoured that he’ll be able to share that gift with our listeners on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio 3.”
Click here to find out more and listen to the three episodes: Multicoloured, Going Solo and Hypnotic Repetition.