Murmuration by Percussia

Following their debut hit, Plucked and Struck (for the compact duo of Celtic harp and Orff instruments), the format-defying Percussia returns – this time with their full complement – for Murmuration. Hailing from the vibrant hub of Queens, New York, Percussia once again masterfully blends classical precision, modern innovation, global traditions, and popular flair into a cohesive and thrilling sound experience.

The album’s title, Murmuration, is drawn from the mesmerizing, ever-reshaping patterns created by flocks of starlings in flight—a natural phenomenon of breathtaking complexity and synchronized beauty. Composer Alexis Lamb sought to capture this magic in sound, and the resulting piece serves as the centerpiece of the album. The title also stands as a perfect metaphor for Percussia itself: a collective of singular virtuosos who, when they join forces, create something far more astonishing than the sum of its parts.

“I’m a classically trained percussionist with a passion for new music and world music, and Percussia represents my effort to bring my musical interests and passions to life,” says founder and percussionist Ingrid Gordon. The all-star lineup features percussionist Frank Cassara, harpist Susan Jolles, flutist Margaret Lancaster, fiddle player and composer Ljova, and special guest soprano Melissa Fogarty.

“What brings us all together?” Gordon asks. “A sense of adventure, a curiosity about music, and a desire to hear something new.”

The journey to Murmuration began when Gordon and Jolles discovered a published duo by Alexis Lamb. So captivated were they, they commissioned her to write for the full ensemble, resulting in the breathtaking title track. The album also features the long-distance collaboration with California composer Bill Clark, whose Moiré is one of the group’s oldest original works.

Murmuration plays like a curated tour of Percussia’s “Greatest Hits,” showcasing the diverse voices that define their sound:
• Matthew Welch’s Variasi Ombak, a fascinating fusion of Scottish Highland bagpipes and Balinese gamelan.
• Dennis Tobenski’s Starfish, a poignant song cycle set to the poetry of Idris Anderson, featuring the luminous soprano of Melissa Fogarty.
• A reimagined arrangement of Carlo Nicolau’s Espejismos, collaboratively crafted to highlight flutist Margaret Lancaster’s formidable talents.
• The newest work, On the Street Where I Live, is an autobiographical and deeply moving composition from the ensemble’s own Ljova, reflecting on life in New York City during the pandemic.

Murmuration is a testament to collaboration, curiosity, and the creation of beauty from unique parts. It is the sound of individual voices moving as one, creating shapes in air and time that surprise, delight, and inspire awe.

Percussia is a Queens, New York-based musical group that performs a mash-up of classical, modern, popular, and global music styles. Playing many original compositions scored for flute, harp, viola/fadolin and percussion, Percussia has performed in many concert halls, parks, and community-based settings throughout Queens and the greater New York metro area.

percussia.org