Percussion festival beats in the hearts of music lovers

Percussionists and faculty members from more than 20 music schools joined in a weeklong art festival held in Tianjin, which kicked off on Saturday.

Dutch percussionist Dominique Vleeshouwers opened the festival with a solo performance.

Vleeshouwers, known professionally as DOMNIQ and celebrated for his virtuosic percussion skills and unique projects, performed original music works, including Lantana, Pending and Field.

"Percussion instruments have an artistic language that awakens the primal power of humanity and holds infinite possibilities. It transcends cultural boundaries and reaches deep into the soul," says Zhang Jingli, artistic director of the art festival and a professor at the Central Conservatory of Music.

The festival will hold a competition with four major categories — marimba, snare drum, timpani, and multi-percussion. Adding to its distinctiveness, the competition will also feature a unique "improvisation relay" format, showcasing the performers' creativity and spontaneity.

Masterclasses, co-taught by internationally renowned artists and top domestic experts, and faculty-student ensemble concerts will also be staged.

International percussionists Kai Strobel and DOMNIQ will each present solo recitals. Notably, German percussionist Kai Strobel's concert will take place on July 23 at the Forbidden City Concert Hall.