Sō Percussion is an American percussion quartet based in New York City. Originally founded in 1999 by
Robert Van Sice students at the Yale University School Of Music, the ensemble pioneered a standard repertoire of contemporary percussion music by
John Cage,
George Crumb,
Iannis Xenakis and others, and gained international recognition for their recordings and performances of new works by
Steve Reich,
David Lang,
Paul Lansky, Steven Mackey, Caroline Shaw, Bryce Dessner,
Fred Frith, Dan Trueman,
Tristan Perich, Martin Bresnick,
Evan Ziporyn, and
Arvo Pärt. In addition to numerous commissions, So Percussion has composed and recorded original music –
Imaginary City,
Where (We) Live, and
A Gun Show, performed as a part of BAM's 2016 Next Wave Festival. The ensemble is known for using unusual and exotic instruments, including glockenspiel, bowed marimba, aluminum pipes and an amplified cactus.
The quartet frequently collaborates with a wide range of artists around the world, such as
Matmos,
Dan Deacon,
Bobby Previte,
Medeski Martin & Wood,
Wilco's
Glenn Kotche, Bryce Dessner (composer and leader of
The National), Buke And Gass,
Dave Douglas, Kneebody,
Dirty Projectors, Project Jenny, Project Jan, Kid Millions/Man Forever,
Eli Keszler, choreographer Shen Wei, and Princeton Laptop Orchestra.
Relatively recent highlights include a featured performance at Carnegie Hall with Glenn Kotche and Shara Nova, a collaboration with
Dawn Upshaw and
Gilbert Kalish, performances of David Lang's percussion concerto with
Gustavo Dudamel conducting
Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, and Bryce Dessner's
Music for Wood and Strings at Barbican in London and Bonnaroo Music And Arts Festival.
The band's name was suggested by film director and English-Japanese translator Jenise Treuting, Jason's sister. Word
Sō comes from 奏, the second character in the compound Japanese word 演奏 (
ensou) – to perform music. By itself,
so means 'to play an instrument.' But it can also mean 'to be successful,' 'to determine a direction and move forward,' and 'to present to the gods or ruler.'
MembersEric Cha-Beach – since 2007
Josh Quillen – since 2006
Adam Sliwinski – since 2002
Jason Treuting – since 1999
Past membersTim Feeney
Todd Meehan
Doug Perkins
Lawson White