CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Final rehearsals have been taking place for the Chicago-based, Grammy-winning Third Coast Percussion quartet ahead of a big concert meant to celebrate an instrument that predates the United States: Zildjian cymbals.
"I'll be playing the drum set," said Third Coast Percussion Executive Director David Skidmore. "Rob's over there on a … random setup of drums; Sean's on vibraphone; Pete's on roomba; and here we go."
Third Coast Percussion formed 18 years ago at Northwestern University, and on Tuesday, the quartet will take the stage for a one-night-only performance commemorating the 400th anniversary of the Avedis Zildjian Company. The piece, composed by Michael Burritt — a highly regarded percussionist in his own right — will include 32 Zildjian cymbals of all sizes and tones.
Third Coast Percussion's special performance commemorating Zildjian's 400-year history will feature 32 Zildjian cymbals of all sizes and tones.Lisa Fielding
"Zildjian is a part of percussion music and so many different genres, so many styles," Skidmore said. "To get to be a part of this celebration of these instruments, that all of the great percussionists and drummers of the world have played, means so much to us."
In Burritt's 40-minute, four-movement composition, each movement will aim to represent four centuries of the legendary company, dating back to when Zildjian's cymbals first launched for the Ottoman Empire's army band in the 1600s.
Skidmore said Burritt was "the reason [Third Coast Percussion] exists," given that its members — including Robert Dillon, Peter Martin and Sean Connors — all studied under Burritt during their time at Northwestern.
Third Coast Percussion formed 18 years ago at Northwestern University. Now, the quartet performs about 100 shows around the world and was nominated for a 2024 Grammy Award. "There's nothing else quite like us in Chicago, and there's really not much else like us in the world," said Skidmore.Lisa Fielding
Now, Third Coast Percussion performs about 100 shows around the world and was nominated for a 2024 Grammy Award.
"There's nothing else quite like us in Chicago, and there's really not much else like us in the world," said Skidmore. "There's a couple of really great percussion ensembles, but we're few and far between. Any time we play, I think it's a rare chance to hear this kind of music."
Tuesday's show will take place at DePaul's Gannon Concert Hall inside of the Holtschneider Performance Center at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased here.
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