Schlagzeugnacht extra

Special guests for a special evening: the World Percussion Group (WPG), the select ensemble of young international percussionists put together by British drummer Tim Palmer, has been touring the world since 2016 with a different line-up each year and is now coming to Stuttgart. The percussion class of the HMDK, whose graduates include several former participants and lecturers of the WPG, welcomes the WPG for a joint concert and an unforgettable evening with music for marimba, vibraphone, drums, cymbals, gongs and many other instruments from all over the world - just as international as the young performers.

Tim Palmer, Prof. Marta Klimasara, Prof. Klaus Dreher, conductor

***
The World Percussion Group is a pioneering international touring ensemble founded in 2016 by the renowned percussion duo Maraca2. Designed as a platform for the world's best up-and-coming percussionists, the WPG bridges the gap between academic study and professional life by offering selected artists the unique opportunity to tour, teach, perform and develop within a supportive international framework.

Each WPG cycle is formed through a highly competitive selection process that attracts hundreds of applicants from around the world. To date, the WPG has proudly represented artists from over 45 countries, forming one of the most diverse and culturally rich percussion ensembles in the world. The ensemble functions as a mobile percussion festival, offering cutting-edge concerts, workshops, master classes and outreach events at leading conservatories, schools and concert venues.

The World Percussion Group's mission is twofold: to inspire audiences and students through world-class performances and to provide meaningful professional development for the next generation of percussionists. Artists not only perform, but also lead workshops, presentations and educational seminars, gaining valuable professional skills in communication, teaching and public relations. Many former members of the WPG have gone on to become influential figures in the world of percussion, including Joe Porter, Ksenija Komljenović, Hsin-Hsuan Wu, Cameron Leach and Vanessa Porter.

Since its inception, WPG has traveled over 30,000 miles, hosted more than 35 international residencies, presented over 40 renowned guest artists and garnered over 2 million views online. The group has toured extensively throughout the United States, Portugal, Spain, the Baltic capitals, Scandinavia, Central Europe and the United Kingdom, continually expanding its artistic reach and educational influence.

In addition to their international tours, the group recently launched the WPG Academy, an innovative online platform that provides high-caliber percussion education through livestreamed artist residencies, masterclasses and coaching sessions. The Academy currently has a diverse roster of international artists and reaches students on several continents.

The World Percussion Group continues to expand artistic and educational boundaries by bringing together world-class talent, fostering cultural exchange and inspiring global audiences. At its core, the WPG stands as a symbol of excellence, opportunity and the vibrant future of percussion.