EVENTS
Every event has its own character. That is what the percussionists of Circle Percussion understand and respond to. The right outfits, the right repertoire, the right instruments. Time and again, the drummers manage to captivate the audience with surprising drum acts.
WORKSHOPS
Every event has its own character. That is what the percussionists of Circle Percussion understand and respond to. The right outfits, the right repertoire, the right instruments. Time and again, the drummers manage to captivate the audience with surprising drum acts.
THEATER
In BANG THAT DRUM, Circle Percussion creates a new breath taking world where untrodden drum paths merge with influences from the latest music trends. The story is supported by a magnificent light show and SINCEPRIKING video projections!
MUSICI
Onze musici hebben naast hun eigen bijzondere muzikale achtergrond allemaal een interne opleiding bij Circle Percussion gehad. Circle Percussion traint haar spelers in de traditie van de Japanse taikogroep KODO
INSTRUMENTARIUM
Eeuwenlang is de Japanse drum, de taiko, een onmisbaar instrument geweest in het Japanse leven en de cultuur. De interesse voor dit instrument nam echter rond het midden van het Meiji-tijdperk (1868 – 1912) sterk af. Gelukkig geniet het traditionele slagwerk sinds tientallen jaren weer grote populariteit in Japan, waar nu groepen als KODO, en eerder Ondekoza, hoogtij vieren
HISTORIE
Circle Percussion, opgericht in 1973, staat sinds 2002 onder leiding van zakelijk -en artistiek directeur Erwin Oudshoorn. Het gezelschap werd vernoemd naar het eerste stuk dat werd uitgevoerd, “Circles” van de Italiaanse componist Luciano Berio. Met deze uitvoering won het ensemble in 1974 een belangrijke prijs tijdens het
Events
Elk evenement heeft haar eigen karakter.
Dat is wat de slagwerkers van Circle Percussion begrijpen en waar zij op in spelen. Gepaste outfits, het juiste repertoire, het juiste instrumentarium. Telkens weer weten de drummers de toeschouwer te boeien met verrassende acts.
A spectacular opening act, atmospheric interludes, a thrilling closing act... Circle Percussion knows how to respond to the wishes of the client like no other. And in combination, they are extremely suitable for total theatre or a full evening's programme.
Below you'll find a selection from the Circle Percussion productions.
Taiko – Japans drummen
De slagwerkers van Circle Percussion zijn gespecialiseerd in het bespelen van de Taiko; Japanse trommels. De spectaculaire speelstijl op deze kolossale trommels bezorgen uw gasten een zinderende ervaring. Buitengewoon goed te combineren met zang, dans, pyrotechniek, video- en ‘live’ projectie
Air Drummers
Aerial entertainment is known to all, but flying drummers in the hall....and then doing somersaults as well?
Air Drummers is the latest sensation!
An extraordinary act that treats you to a musical and acrobatic masterpiece. Particularly suitable for larger productions. These 'Flying Drummers' are an unprecedented spectacle!
Drums Around!
Drums Around is the solo act of the moment!
Drums Around: 1 drummer, 1 unique instrument and an enormous dose of energy and visual explosiveness, packed into a short spectacular act.
This act has been developed further due to its success and can also be booked with 3 drummers: Drums Around! XL
Beating Heart – Multimedia spektakel!
The BeatingHeart can be seen as a short creative version of a corporate film. Filmed and edited in the style of a music video, performed with 'live-sync' percussion.
For your guests, it is an exciting and smooth introduction to your employees, your services and/or your company.
Prior to your event, our film crew will make video recordings of percussionists drumming on your company's attributes. Depending on the sector in which you are active, this can vary from beating on car parts to drumming on machines or parts thereof... everything is possible.
At your event, these images will accompany an impressive live percussion performance. The percussionists play 'live sync' on the impressive range of Circle Percussion instruments.
Tailor made productions
For special occasions, we also create spectacular openings and tailor-made intermezzos. From small to large in all respects.
Collaborations
Vocals and drums go well together! Alma Nieto and CirclePercussion prove this in their special collaboration. Songs are custom written by our in-house composers. Do you have a themed event?... We write the music and lyrics to fit your needs and then perform it live on stage.
Aerial acrobatics, dance crews and laser shows also lend themselves perfectly to cooperation.
I would like some more information regarding events
Workshops
Taking part in a Circle Percussion workshop is a special experience. We invite you to discover the world of rhythm. We do this in a natural, accessible way. Everyone plays at his or her own level.
Taiko lessen
Wil je lessen komen volgen op ons unieke Japanse instrumentarium?
Bij ons leer je:
- Muziek te maken op een hele fysieke manier.
- Je grenzen te verleggen
- Niet te oordelen over je eigen spel en ook niet over die van de ander
- Jezelf op een nieuwe manier kennen en te vertrouwen
De slagwerkers van de wereldbefaamde slagwerkgroep Circle Percussion maken de groepslessen op maat voor alle niveau’s.
Taiko ensembles
Deze ensembles zijn te boeken voor optredens op Japanse festivals en Japan gerelateerde events.
Japans trommelen onder de Spaanse zon? Dit is de Valencia Taiko Experience!
Theater
BANG THAT DRUM
Tour 2016/2017
In BANG THAT DRUM, Circle Percussion creates a new breath taking world where untrodden drum paths merge with influences from the latest music trends. The story is supported by a magnificent light show and SINCEPRIKING video projections!
“Circle Percussion is SEXY en opwindend, RAUW en meedogenloos!”
Deze meest swingende en sympathieke slagwerkgroep van het land zorgt altijd voor spektakel. Dat bleek wel met de succesvolle voorstellingen ‘Drums Of The World’, ‘Down To Earth’ en ‘BIG! MEN! DRUMS!’.
The most swinging and sympathetic percussion group in the country always provides spectacle. This was proved with the successful performances 'Drums Of The World', 'Down To Earth' and 'BIG! MEN! DRUMS'. The drummers of Circle Percussion have been playing at international level for years and have elevated drum music to an art. Typical are their quirky timbre and the hypnotic, elastic and sometimes funny stumbling grooves. At the same time, Circle Percussion has the ability to use their refined drumbeats to get the audience really quiet.
"Sometimes the music is raw and uncomplicated but always catchy and remarkably melodic".
In 'BANG THAT DRUM', Circle Percussion creates a new, breathtaking world in which untrodden drum paths merge with influences from the latest music trends. This makes it new, refreshing and surprising without losing its individuality. It has class and is as overwhelming as ever! The story is supported by a magnificent light show and SINCEPRIKING video projections.
Circle Percussion is as timeless as it is indestructible! Experience it in 'BANG THAT DRUM'.
CRASH TEST DRUMMERS!
Tour 2014 – 2015
Met ‘Drums of the World’, ‘Down To Earth’ en ‘BIG! MEN! DRUMS!’ hebben de trommelpioniers van Circle Percussion bewezen aan de wereldtop van het drumtheater te staan. In ‘CRASH TEST DRUMMERS!’ stellen de mannen zich bloot aan de gevaren der trommelkunst. Niet voor het eerst zal de kalk van het theaterplafond spatten!
CRASH TEST DRUMMERS!’ staat garant voor een avondje maf drumtheater dat bol staat van spectaculaire en verrassende muzikale trommelhoogstandjes! Vet beukende beats contrasteren tegen een oase van prachtige klankvelden en genuanceerde muzikale humor. De beste ingrediënten voor een avondje trommeltopsport op de vierkante millimeter!
Attention please! FASTEN YOUR BEAT CELLS!!
Big! Men! Drums!
Tour 2012/2014
In de splinternieuwe voorstelling BIG! MEN! DRUMS! baant Circle Percussion zich een weg door een oerwoud van trommelgeweld,hilariteit en humor.
As 'unstoppable drummers', they will figuratively knock the theatre audience off their socks.
De slagwerkkrant schrijft: ‘Circle Percussion heeft een dynamiek en een feel die bloedmuzikaal en tegelijk toegankelijk is. Het is leuk en het is indrukwekkend. Niemand in Nederland kan zo overtuigend de verschillende slagwerktradities neerzetten. Het valt vooral op hoe goed alles klinkt. Hiermee steekt de groep met kop en schouders boven de rest uit.’
BIG!
Circle Percussion, the founder of the Dutch percussion scene, has been around for no less than forty years. With the fourth generation of drummers, it had great success in recent seasons with 'Drums of the World' and 'Down to Earth'.
MEN!
With the unpolished 'primal groove' of Willem 'Afrikit' Jansen, the extremely tight swing of Erwin Oudshoorn, the inexhaustible energy of Ronald Boumans and the open-mindedness and humour of Wouter van der Wildt, Circle Percussion is once again pushing the boundaries of contemporary percussion culture.
DRUMS!
The group has developed its own inimitable playing style on their very special and extensive set of instruments, which does not lack a healthy dose of musical humour. They conjure with drums as if they were rabbits!
Experience it in BIG! MEN! DRUMS!
musicians
De Spelers
Onze musici hebben naast hun eigen bijzondere muzikale achtergrond allemaal een interne opleiding bij Circle Percussion gehad. Circle Percussion traint haar spelers in de traditie van de Japanse taikogroep KODO
Instruments
The history of taiko
For centuries, the Japanese drum, the taiko, has been an indispensable instrument in Japanese life and culture. However, interest in this instrument declined sharply around the middle of the Meiji era (1868 - 1912). Fortunately, traditional percussion has been enjoying great popularity again in Japan for decades, where groups such as Kodo, and previously Ondekoza, are now flourishing.
The Japanese drum was used in ancient times for hunting, communicating, luring or scaring away wild animals and for encouraging soldiers in battle. The drum was also played by ordinary citizens to add lustre to festivities. Even today, drums still have various functions in Japan.
Around 1965, Tagayasu Den developed a new way of playing the traditional Japanese instruments. At first, he was not interested in the music. He founded a commune with mainly young people, where great physical and mental discipline prevailed.
For years, the Circle Percussion players have patiently mastered the unique Japanese playing styles developed by the famous Kodo group. These playing styles differ fundamentally from the western styles and are experienced as very spectacular by both the players and the audience.
At first, Circle Percussion limited itself to the traditional pieces such as: 'Yatai-bayashi', 'Miyake' and 'Odaiko solo'. They turned out to require a different kind of dedication than western musicians were used to. It has always been the balance between power and beauty that made Japanese drumming so difficult and intriguing at the same time.
As the group of players succeeded in mastering the discipline that Japanese percussion demanded, individual freedom became greater both physically and musically.
Het instrumentarium
Circle Percussion speelt op origineel Japans instrumentarium. De trommels zijn speciaal voor het ensemble gebouwd door de bekende en meest gewaardeerde Japanse trommelbouwer “Asano Taiko Company” uit Japan.
Grootste trommel buiten Japan… de O daiko
De Okedo O daiko (Okedo = uit duigen gemaakt, O = groot, Daiko = trom) van Circle Percussion is de grootste taiko buiten Japan en is bij wijze van experiment speciaal voor het ensemble gebouwd. Deze gigant heeft een diameter van 1.95 m en een lengte van 2.55 m (275 Kg). Het ritme van de O daiko is eenvoudig. Aan de ene kant slaat een speler een begeleidend basisritme, waarop de speler aan de andere kant vrij kan improviseren. Als klank en ritme één worden geraken zowel spelers al toehoorders onwillekeurig in de ban van de O daiko.
Nagado Daiko
This is a barrel-shaped drum and is basically made of one piece of wood. In the past, the beautiful wood species Zelkova or Keyaki was used, among others. For environmental reasons, nowadays more common glued wood is also used. These very expensive drums are strung with ox skins by means of metal rivets, which makes it difficult to adjust the tension. Such a medium-sized drum easily weighs 85 kg.
Shime Daiko
‘Shime Daiko’ is een algemene benaming voor ondiepe Japanse trommel. Dit kunnen zowel de meer delicate trommels zijn die bij het Kabuki- en Nòh theater worden gebruikt als ook de stevige en zware trommels die KODO en Circle Percussion bespeelt. Deze trommel produceert een hoge, felle klank. Het vel van deze trommel wordt na het bespelen ontspannen, omdat anders door de permanent hoge spanning het vel te veel rekt en uiteindelijk scheurt.
Uchiwa Daiko
De Uchiwa Daiko bestaat uit een houten handvat dat aan een metalen ring is bevestigd. Over deze ring is een vel gespannen. De trommel wordt doorgaans met één hand vastgehouden terwijl men met een stok, die in de andere hand wordt vast gehouden, op het vel slaat. Deze trommel is vooral in gebruik bij de Boedhistische Nichiren.
Okedo Daiko
This is a cylindrical Japanese drum that, like its big brother the Okedo O daiko, is made of staves. The drum heads are stretched with ropes. Depending on the diameter of the drum, which can vary from 30 to 100 cm, the drum produces a powerful high to deep dry sound and, compared to other Japanese drums, sounds warmer and more melodious and is less 'penetrating'.
History
How it started
Circle Percussion, founded in 1973 by Michael de Roo under the name 'Circle Ensemble', has been led by business and artistic director Erwin Oudshoorn since 2002. The ensemble was named after the first piece it performed, 'Circles' by Italian composer Luciano Berio. With this performance, the ensemble won a major prize at the international Gaudeamus Competition in 1974. Thus the ensemble determined its guidelines for the future: high-quality performances of contemporary music with a central role for percussion.
Erwin Oudshoorn en Michael de Roo
Den Haag 2011
The development
An important development for the ensemble came from its introduction to the visually and musically spectacular Japanese percussion. This resulted in the first concert ever performed on Japanese instruments by non-Japanese percussionists (Holland Festival 1983).
In 1984, the ensemble organised a Dutch tour with the famous Japanese percussion group KODO as its guest. During this tour, both groups combined the specific qualities of western and Japanese percussion. During this time, Circle built up its own Japanese percussion instruments, of which the 'Okedo O Daiko' in particular is very special. This drum was specially built for Circle Percussion and measures 2.55 metres long and 1.95 metres in diameter.
Another highlight for the ensemble was a more than five-week tour of Japan at the invitation of the "Tokyo Summer Festival" (1987).
Circle ensemble omstreeks 1985
The Fire in '88
1988 was the year of the major fire in the annex of the Utrecht Conservatory at the Mariaplaats in Utrecht. On 12 March of that year, this historic building and the Circle Ensemble's instruments were almost completely destroyed by fire. Thanks to a benefit concert, in which Jasper van 't Hof and Slagerij van Kampen participated, and generous donations by the Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds, the collection of special percussion instruments could be rebuilt. To this day, Circle Percussion still speaks of 'before' and 'after' the fire...
Michael de Roo speelt op de speciaal voor het Circle Ensemble gebouwde Okedo O Daiko.
Deze immense Taiko kwam door alert reageren van roadies en brandweer als enige Japanse trommel uit de allesverzengende vuurzee.
Colaboration
Kaguyahime, concert versie
In the same year, the company was invited by Nederlands Dans Theater to take part in the performance of the now world-famous ballet 'Kaguyahime' by choreographer Jiri Kylian.
20 mei 1988
De cast van Kaguyahime, met de Japanse gastspeler en leraar Katsuji Kondo van KODO
Besides the cooperation with Nederlands Dans Theater, the ensemble has played a major role in various other important productions. Concerts were given in Japan, Israel, Argentina, America, during the World Expo in Seville (Spain) and in Bremen (Germany) as part of the celebration of the first 'Tag der Deutsche Einheid' (Day of the German Unity) (in memory of the fall of the Berlin Wall).
Circle Percussion was also active during the anniversary year of the 100th Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996, both with the Nederlands Danstheater as part of the performance of Kaguyahime during the Olympic Arts festival, and with the theatre show 'Drums of the World'.
Circle Percussion produced the theatre show 'Drums of the World' in 1996, in collaboration with Anumadutchi. This successful theatre show, which was performed in various versions around the world some 250 times, was a trendsetter in the field of percussion performances. This was the starting point for a successful career in theatre.
With the performance of 'Drums of the World' and the cooperation with the local Taiko trio 'Honoo Daiko' during the Extasia 97′ in Japan, the ensemble was among the absolute highlights of the evening.
India, Zuid Afrika, Qatar, New York, Dubai…
Over the years Circle Percussion has played on many major world stages. In India during the opening act of the CLT20 Champions League Cricket in front of 275 million television viewers. In Qatar with artist Norman Perryman with the beautiful production 'Kinetic Painting' and at many festivals and events in for example New York, Buenos Aires, Los Angeles, Dubai, London, Seville, Tel Aviv, Madrid, Valencia and GrahamsTown (South Africa).
Kinetic Painting met Norman Perryman
Sinds 1996 begeeft Circle Percussion zich in het theater. Vele voorstellingen zijn voorbij gekomen:
Seizoen ’96/’97 – ’97/’98: Drums of the World
Seizoen ’98/’99 – ’99/’00: Drums of the World; De Jubileumvoorstelling
Seizoen ’98/’99: The Rhythm of Life
Seizoen ’99/’00: Kinetic Painting
Seizoen ’00/’01 – ’01/’02: Drumtracks
Seizoen ’02/’03 – ’03/’04: Drums of the World, Special Edition
Seizoen ’04/’05: Drums of the World, Super Special
Seizoen ’05/’06 – ’06/’07: Drums of the World, The Wild Edition en ‘Tuitende Oren’ (kindertheater)
Seizoen ’07/’08 – ’09/’10: Drums of the World.4 en ‘Tuitende Oren’
Seizoen ’10/’11 – ’11/’12: Down to Earth!
Seizoen ’12/’13 – ’14/’15: Big! Men! Drums!
Seizoen ’14/’15 – ’15/’16: CRASH TEST DRUMMERS!
Seizoen ’15/’16 – ’16/’17: Bang That Drum
Highlights
Aankondigingen door de jaren heen
Highlights
Een opsomming van de hoogtepunten door de jaren heen:
2022
- European Taiko Expo 2021+1
2019
- Japan festival Amstelveen in samenwerking met Leonard Etho
2018
- A tour of Belgian coastal towns during the summer with Drums Around! Flying Drummers and Taiko Drummers, together with dance, street theatre, laser and fire. A grand spectacle! @De Panne, Diksmuide and Blankenberge.
- Grand reopening of a shopping mall in Antwerp.
2017
- Circle Percussion recorded the music of Horizon Zero Dawn; Holland's most successful and most expensive game production ever! Composer Niels van der Leest, a former Circle Percussion player, made the compositions on behalf of SONY.
- Various performances by the Air Drummers in Germany and the Netherlands.
- Dutch premiere Splash Drummers! in Utrecht and world premiere in Germany.
- Last performance of the successful theatre tour BANG! That Drum.
- Wonderful events for Asics, Sligro, Night of the Proms and De Efteling, among others.
2016
- Events for Leiden University, VDL, Desperados and LXRY, among others.
- We opened the NVZ annual conference with our multimedia concept 'The Beating Heart of...' Always a special production, always tailor-made.
- 2 days Gymgala Belgium with our solo act Drums Around!
- Theatre production BANG! That Drum premieres.
2015
- Big event for Adecco. In an intensive training programme, the 5 board members were prepared for a grand performance together with 6 percussionists of Circle Percussion in Studio 21, Hilversum.
- Premiere small-screen show CRASH TEST DRUMMERS.
- Corona SunSets Tour – zomer 2015 – UK, Rimini & Ibiza. Bekijk video ‘After Movie Ibiza’. Bekijk video ‘After Movie UK’.
2014
- In October and November, the final performances of the extremely successful show BIG! MEN! DRUMS! will be performed.
- 16 October, opening of the Golden Televizier-Ring Gala in the Royal Theatre Carré, broadcast live by AVROTROS. Watch video
- On 10 October, 25 percussionists will open 'Oudewater 750 years city' with a percussion show on three stages floating on the canal.
- During Den Haque Festival Classique Circle Percussion will play an arrangement of the phenomenal and virtuoso Marima Spiritual by Minoru Miki.
- The opening night of CityProms Leeuwarden, one of the biggest festivals in 'the North', will be closed spectacularly with a swinging and pounding festival set.
- Japan Festival Amstelveen can no longer do without Circle Percussion. Just like previous editions, Circle Percussion was the big crowd puller.
- In June and July Circle Percussion went to Luxembourg several times, where we introduced some 60 students to the Japanese art of drumming.
2013
- The international group Booking.com organises its annual employee meeting in the RAI. The employees enjoy the spectacular aerial act 'Air Drummers' in combination with the largest drum Circle Percussion owns, the 'Okedo Odaiko'.
- Circle Percussion plays in TV show 'Join The Beat'. watch video
- The National School Breakfast is opened by Circle Percussion and concluded with a workshop drumming with cutlery by 170 children. Streamed live at thousands of Dutch primary schools.
- Various performances at high-profile sold-out dance events such as Qlimax (Gelredome, Arnhem), Weiter #2 (Paradiso, Amsterdam) and Tommorowland (Belgium).
- Opening act 'Lied op Maat' with Alma Nieto and symposium with 3 entr'actes during the official opening of Bernhoven hospital on 31 October and 1 November.
- On 19 September Circle Percussion, together with singer Alma Nieto, opened the Paleis van Justitie in Amsterdam with a custom-made song, while Mayor Eberhard van der Laan and King Willem Alexander unveiled the new logo.
- 13 May saw the opening of the new FIFPro office with the spectacular aerial act 'Air Drummers' and football international Didier Drogba.
- On 30 April Circle Percussion, in cooperation with IDTV, will take care of the production of the final percussion act of the Kingsvaart on 't IJ in Amsterdam to celebrate the inauguration of King Willem Alexander. The combination of drums, fireworks, fireboats and fighter jets will ensure a grand spectacle, broadcast live by the NOS.
- spectacle, broadcast live by the NOS. The premiere of the show BIG! MEN! DRUMS! is a fact. On Sunday 24 March Circle Percussion played its premiere in the Stadsschouwburg Velzen. The performance was exceptionally well received by colleagues, media, theatre makers, programmers, friends and family.
2012
- Circle Percussion speelt een bijzonder verrassende act voor de Shell Marathon in Rotterdam Ahoy.
- Een groots Taikospektakel tijdens de opening van DefQon.1 op het festivalterrein van Biddinghuizen. DefQon.1 is ‘het’ Hardcore-dance-event van Europa!
- Een enorme bosbrand nabij Valencia (Spanje) treft Finca Forata, de workshoplocatie van Circle Percussion. Crew en instrumentarium worden veilig gesteld. De materiële schade is enorm.
- Circle Percussion opent het grootste dance-event van Nederland, ‘Mysteryland’. In samenwerking met DJ Olivier Weiter produceert en speelt zij de opening van dit wereldberoemde dance-event.
- Taiko performances van de hoogste niveau worden vijf keer per dag, 2 dagen lang, verzorgd op het terrein van bouwmachine-leverancier Luyckx in België. Duizenden mensen genieten van de zon, lekker eten en mooie muziek!
- Offshore gigant ‘Heerema Fabrication Group’ huurt Durbuy in België af. 2000 gasten vieren feest in het kleinste stadje van Europa ter gelegenheid van een jubileumweekend dat Multimagnaat Pieter Heerema op poten heeft gezet. Circle Percussion verzorgt samen met Alma Nieto een prachtige zang -en slagwerkperformance.
2011
- Circle Percussion is back in the theatres with its latest performance 'Down To Earth'. The premiere of this new theatre performance took place on Saturday 8 January 2011 in Theater De Purmaryn in Purmerend and was a resounding success.
- In November, Circle Percussion will travel to Germany to play the premiere of the groundbreaking aerial act 'Air Drummers' at dance event 'Glamotion', to announce world DJ Chuckie. watch video
- On Wednesday 13 April 2011, Circle Percussion contributed to the national action day 'Netherlands Helps Japan' in the Amsterdam ArenA. This grand concert was broadcasted live on TV in several countries. With this benefit concert they showed their support for the people in Japan and tried to raise as much money as possible for the Red Cross in the disaster area in Japan. Circle Percussion is closely linked to Japan through its strong connection with the internationally renowned Japanese percussion group KODO, and therefore did not hesitate when asked to contribute. watch video
- Circle Percussion speelt op het benefietconcert voor KWF Kankerbestrijding. Vrienden van Alpe d’Huzes zet zich in voor de KWF Kankerbestrijding. Naast de kleinschalige acties organiseert zij in samenwerking met Siemens Power een groots benefietconcert op vrijdag 27 mei 2011 in het Floratheater te Boskoop. Circle Percussion ondersteunt dit initiatief door geheel belangeloos op te treden.
2010
- Eiichi Saito, Japanese Taiko master of KODO, will give master classes to the Circle Percussion players on 25 and 26 June 2010. Those who are interested can also sign up for a workshop. A unique opportunity to get lessons from this Taiko master.
- Circle Percussion visits KODO in Opéra de National Paris to attend the performance "Kaguyahime".
- Circle Percussion played at a grand event in Ahoy Rotterdam to mark the 100th anniversary of Royal Boskalis Westminster nv, the largest maritime services provider in the world. With 10 percussionists, the opening was magnificent.
- In October, the Circle Percussion players left for Dubai for the most prestigious international ICT event "Gitex Bussiness Solutions" of the Middle East, Africa, India and South Asia. Circle Percussion was invited by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to open this event with its unique Japanese instruments. They also performed during the gala that was organised after the event.
- On Monday 6 December 2010, Electrabel officially took the new Maxima power station in Lelystad into use. Over 60 percussionists played to music specially arranged by Circle Percussion, with a large part for singer Alma Nieto. In a pyramid, built from scaffolding parts, singing, percussion and a video directed by Lotte Zuijdwijk came together in a beautiful way. watch video
- On 31 December 2010, IDTV provided the live television registration of the Staatsloterij Oud en Nieuw Feest: "Nederland telt af" (The Netherlands counts down), for which 50,000 people had gathered on the Museumplein in Amsterdam. The countdown to the last minute in the year 2010 was accompanied on the video screen by players of Circle Percussion. A spectacular fireworks show followed to usher in the new year. watch video
2009
- CLT20 Champions League Cricket Opening Ceremony in Bangalore India. watch video
- Circle Percussion and artist Norman Perryman travel to Qatar in the United Arab Emirates to present their unique performance "Kinetic Painting" during the launch of Vodafone's network in Qatar. watch video
- A High Definition CD is recorded in the Circle Percussion studio on behalf of Kharma Loudspeakers.
- Recordings are made for the very first DVD release of 'Drums of the World 4′ in Theater de Storm in Winterswijk.
2008
- Cutty Sark starts event series in Madrid at the end of 2007. After this successful performance for Cutty Sark, Circle also plays in Barcelona, Valencia and Seville.
- During the thrilling finale of the search for the new Uri Geller, Circle Percussion provided an exciting act with the mentalist duo Rob and Emiel. The show was broadcasted live on SBS6.
- Circle Percussion was - on invitation of Kodo - present during the rehearsals in Kamperland. These rehearsals were in preparation for the concert series of Blof and Kodo in the Heineken Music Hall (March 2008). Circle Percussion was present during one of the impressive concerts as "Special Guest" of Kodo.
- The AVRO invited Circle Percussion to open the prestigious Prinsengracht concert. This concert was also broadcast live on television.
- Circle Percussion opens the very first Dutch Taiko school. More information can be found on www.houseofcircles.nl.
- In December Circle Percussion will open the annual NOS / NSF* Sports Gala with a great performance. During this gala the sportsman, sportswoman, disabled sportsman and sports team of the year will be chosen. Presented by Mart Smeets and broadcasted live on television. watch video
- Circle Percussion and Corpus Acrobatics will perform the opening show "Planet Researcher" for HP Software in close cooperation. The show will take place in Vienna.
2007
- Premiere of 'Drums of the World 4', the latest theatre production by Circle Percussion.
- Circle Percussion goes to Seville, Valencia and Barcelona (Spain) and plays the opening of an event for Cutty Sark (the whisky brand). Number of visitors: 30,000.
2006
- Circle Percussion goes to Madrid (Spain) and plays the opening of an event for Cutty Sark (the whisky brand). Number of visitors: 30,000.
2005
- Premiere of the family performance 'Tuitende Oren' in co-production with youth theatre group Stella Den Haag, directed by Hans van der Boom.
- On 4 October 2005, Circle Percussion played at the invitation of War Child during the ´Friends for War Child´ benefit concert in Ahoy. Alongside Trijntje Oosterhuis, Guus Meeuwis and Marco Borsato, Circle Percussion gave a spectacular performance for an audience of 10,000.
2004
- Circle Percussion travels to Dubai and gives an outrageous performance in combination with a huge water curtain, a multimedia spectacle and a laser show at the opening of the Adventure Summer Surprise festival.
- Circle Percussion plays in Brussels for a Microsoft event.
- As a follow-up to the "Monochrome" and "Monoprism" concerts, Circle Percussion, in cooperation with the Gelders Orchestra, will play the 'Afro Concerto' by the Japanese composer Maki Ishii.
- World premiere 'Sakurajima' in cooperation with Corpus Acrobatics during the opening of the Waasland shopping centre in St. Niklaas, Belgium.
2003
- Circle Percussion plays the legendary compositions "Monochrome" and "Monoprism" by the Japanese composer Maki Ishii, who died in 2003, in cooperation with the Gelders Orchestra.
- Circle Percussion will perform a mega spectacular opening act for ABN AMRO in a packed stadium at the Gelredome in Arnhem. With 40 percussionists, this is one of Circle Percussion's biggest event productions ever.
- Circle Percussion plays at 'Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards 2004″.
2002
- At the beginning of January 2002, Gijsbert Zwart hands over the role of business and artistic director to Erwin Oudshoorn.
- TV recording of the Classic Brit Awards at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
- Circle Percussion opens the 'Peugeot Experience' with 'Kinetic Painting' together with Norman Perryman.
2001
- Premiere of "Drumtracks". This performance, featuring guest performers Willem Jansen and Hans Hasebos, brings a new and fresh perspective to the concept of 'percussion performance'. A progressive performance that underlines the pioneering character of Circle Percussion.
- Introduction tour of Prince Willem Alexander and Maxima, The Hague.
- TV registration 4 Japanese fairy tales, Villa Achterwerk, VPRO.
2000
- Standard Bank Festival in Grahams Town, South Africa. At this international festival, where about a hundred acts from all over the world performed, Circle Percussion was one of the big crowd pullers. The percussionists played four times to a sold out crowd.
1999
- German and Austrian premiere of "Drums of the World" followed by a short German and Austrian tour.
1998
- Circle Percussion presents its 25th anniversary performance.
1997
- During Extasia in Japan, Circle Percussion will be performing "Drums of the World".
1996
- Circle Percussion was also active during the jubilee year of the 100th Olympic Games in Atlanta, both with the Nederlands Dans Theater as part of the performance "Kaguyahime" during the Olympic Arts festival and with its own production "Drums of the World".
- Circle Percussion created the theatre show "Drums of the World" in 1996, together with fellow group Anumadutchi. This successful percussion performance, which has been performed in various versions around the world some 250 times over the years, was one of the trendsetters in the field of percussion performances.
- In cooperation with the Nederlands Danstheater, Circle Percussion will perform the ballets 'Falling Angels' and 'Start to Finish' in Edinburgh, Melbourne and Los Angeles.
1995
- Gijsbert Zwart is appointed business and artistic director of Circle Percussion.
- Tour with Nederlands Dans Theater including performances in Israel.
- Percussion festival during the Aktion Augarten Festival, Vienna, Austria.
1994
- 1st Tag der Deutsche Einheid in Bremen, commemorating the fall of the Berlin Wall, where concerts were performed in front of tens of thousands of spectators.
- ‘Kaguyahime’ in Straatsburg, Rome en Bregenz.
- Concert Bad Gleichenberg Festival, Oostenrijk.
- Project ‘Floating Silhouettes’ op het IJ, Amsterdam.
- Première van ‘The Percussion Club’.
1993
- Opening Frankfurter Buchmesse, Duitsland.
- ‘Kaguyahime’, tournee door Nederland en in Stockholm, Zweden.
- Kaguyahime' and 'Falling Angels', tour of Japan with NDT and concerts at the traditional Gujo Hachiman Percussion Festival.
- Tv opname van het ballet ‘Kaguyahime’.
1992
- Drums of the World' concerts at the World Expo '92, Nueva Musica Festival in Seville, Spain.
- Opening Holland Festival met ‘Con Luigi Dallapiccola’ van Luigi Nono.
- Muziektheaterproducties ‘Pierrot Lunaire’ van Arnold Schonberg en ‘Through Roses’ van Marc Neikrug m.m.v. acteur Henk van Ulsen.
1991
- Musical theatre production 'Dancer Danger' with Taller Amsterdam.
1990
- World tour with Nederlands Dans Theater with the performance 'Kaguyahime'.
- Drums of the World' concerts with marimba virtuoso Keiko Abe in England and the Netherlands.
1989
- The Circle Ensemble is renamed 'Stichting House of Circles' and with this the band name changes to 'Circle Percussion'.
1988
- Opening of Holland Festival with 'Kaguyahime' by Jiri Kylian with Nederlands Dans Theater.
- A fire at the Utrecht Conservatory destroys most of the Circle Ensemble's instruments and Michael de Roo's private collection.
With help from, among others, the Prince Bernard Fund, new instruments are purchased.
1987
- A five-week tour of Japan at the invitation of the Tokyo Summer Festival.
1986
- First Japanese percussion workshop by the Circle Ensemble and Japanese master drummer and Odaiko virtuoso Yoshikazu Fujimoto.
- Concerts with marimba virtuoso Keiko Abe and master drummer Eitetsu Hayashi.
1984
- Dutch tour with the famous Japanese percussion group KODO.
1983
- Performances during the Holland Festival, the first ever concert performed on Japanese instruments by non-Japanese percussionists, with works by Yoshihisa Taira and Maki Ishii.
- Performance at the Festival D'Automne, Paris, France.
- World premiere of the symphonic version of 'Kaguyahime' by Maki Ishii in collaboration with percussionists of the Berlin Symfonic Orchestra and the Deutsche Oper Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
1982
- Holland Festival performance with music theatre production 'Olifantje Babar' by Scapino with music by Francis Poulenc, specially arranged for the Circle Ensemble Steelband.
1980
- Performance at the Holland Festival with music theatre production 'The Two Fiddlers' with music by Peter Maxwell Davies.
1979
- Action Painting with painter Norman Perryman and mime artist Rene Bazinet. Action Painting later became Kinetic Painting.
1978
- Muziektheater ‘Olifantje Babar’.
1977
- Performance of New Music Festival with works by Busotti and Georg Crumb.
- Holland Festival performance with opera 'Houdini' by Peter Schat, produced by the Netherlands Opera in collaboration with Circle Ensembles Steelband.
1973
- Establishment of the then still named 'Circle Ensemble' by Michael de Roo. At that time, the ensemble was still mainly occupied with contemporary music, focusing on percussion. The name is derived from the composition 'Circles' by Luciano Berio, with which the ensemble won an important prize in 1974 during the International Gaudeamus Competition.
Contact gegevens
Circle Percussion
Krekenburg 7A
3417 MH Montfoort
Netherlands
+31 6 10114056
English 
Dutch 
