Tuesday, October 09, 2001

WILMINGTON, NC -- Feel the beat as never before when the critically acclaimed percussion ensemble, Ethos Percussion Group, performs at 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 27, in UNCW's Kenan Auditorium. The group will perform works inspired by the rhythms of Brazil, West Africa, Asia and America.

Combine more than a decade of ensemble experience with worldwide, traditional and contemporary percussion styles and you get one of North America's most active touring percussion ensembles, Ethos Percussion Group. This New York-based four-man group uses instruments ranging from drums and marimbas to Swiss cowbells and Brazilian scraped percussion along with Chinese opera gongs and plastic tubing from Home Depot occasionally thrown into the mix. Hailed by The New York Times for its "expert togetherness, sensitivity and zest. . .," Ethos is revolutionizing the world of percussion.

The hallmark of the ensemble's performances is that the group incorporates a vast array of eclectic instruments to play works from a diverse group of composers ranging from John Cage to Frank Zappa, as well as Latin American traditional children's songs and compositions by Japan's Minoru Miki.

Described as "spellbinding," "remarkably disciplined and cohesive," and a "glorious cacophony of sensational tones," this percussion group is dedicated to the advancement of the percussive arts in performance and education. Ensemble members, who include founder Michael Sgouros, percussionists Eric Phinney and Trey Files and global music specialist Yousif Sheronick, are also devoted to educational opportunities for young artists. They created the innovative program Bing! Bang! Boom! to introduce music and percussion to people throughout North America.

The Ethos Percussion Group's 1996 self-titled debut album includes works by John Cage, David Hollinden and Paul Smadbeck. Their latest recording, Persistence of Past Chemistries, includes works by Griffin, Sais, Garland, Cage/Harrison, and traditional Mexican marimba music. Whether performing traditional compositions from South America, India, Africa and the Pacific Rim, or introducing new works by todayÅfs composers, Ethos captivates audiences of all ages.

Individual tickets are $5.50 for UNCW students and children age 12 and under; $11.50 for UNCW faculty/staff; and $17.50 for all others. For tickets, call the Kenan Auditorium Ticket Office at 962.3500, or 1.800.732.3643. Ticket office hours are noon to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, visit the Web site www.uncwil.edu/stuaff/arts, or contact Shannon Hooker at 910/962-7600.