Beating their own drums

When we think of music, our minds are often filled with the melodies and harmonies produced by various instruments. One category of instrument that stands out for its unique and captivating sounds is percussion. From drums to cymbals, tambourines to marimbas, percussion instruments span a wide range of forms and sizes.

In 2010, percussionist-conductor Li Biao, along with the National Centre for the Performing Arts, had a bold idea to launch the first NCPA Percussion Festival, hoping to highlight and popularize these instruments. Over nine days, percussionists from around the world staged various shows at the NCPA, allowing every corner of the grand venue to be immersed with rhythmic beats.

Now, 14 years later, the festival, which is held every two years, returns. On Aug 29, Li announced that the 2024 NCPA Percussion Festival is bringing an exciting celebration of rhythm from Saturday to Oct 7.

Under the theme "Dragon Soars Across the Seas", the festival will showcase diverse percussion performances from artists and ensembles from around the world, including 11 from China, Brazil, Germany, and Denmark.

This year, the festival opens with a concert by the China National Traditional Orchestra on Saturday, with musicians displaying the charm of traditional Chinese percussion instruments, such as the folk gongs and drums of Jiangzhou, Shanxi province, and Xi'an Guyue, a type of music integrating drums and wind instruments, which has been played in China's ancient capital of Xi'an, Shaanxi province.

"If you've always been captivated by the rhythm and energy of percussion instruments, then you're in the right place, whether it's the primal beat of the drums or the intricate sounds of the xylophone," said Li at the NCPA in Beijing on Aug 29, adding that he still recalls the exciting moments when the first festival was launched. "If you hope to discover something new about percussion instruments that you may have never experienced before, then you are in the right place too.