Tom Kolor, percussionist of Talujon

This classical concert series is presented by Midtown Arts Common in cooperation with Saint Peter’s Church. Performances are held in the Sanctuary of Saint Peter’s Church on most Tuesdays at 8:00 P.M.

Programs generally feature a variety of composers and instrumentation, and present emerging musicians from the metropolitan New York area.

About Tom Kolor and Talujan

Percussionist Tom Kolor presents works from his upcoming solo album with music by Babbitt, Cage, and more.

Mr. Kolor specializes in 20th and 21st century music, and holds a Master's degree from the Juilliard School. He is currently an Assistant Professor at the University at Buffalo. He appears throughout the United States and Europe as a member of Talujon Percussion, Manhattan Sinfonietta, Ensemble 21, Sospeso, American Modern Ensemble and Newband.

In addition, he is a frequent guest of such ensembles as the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, New York New Music Ensemble, Speculum Musicae, Continuum, Da Capo Chamber Players, Group for Contemporary Music, and Orpheus Chamber Orchestra.

As a soloist, he has given dozens of premieres by such composers as Milton Babbitt, John Zorn, Wayne Peterson, Tania Leon, and Jerome Kitzke. He has recorded for Bridge, New World, Albany, Capstone, Innova, Wergo, Naxos, CRI, Koch, Tzadik, North/South Consonance, and Deutsche Grammophon labels.

Mr. Kolor, along with Ian Antonio, David Cossin, Matthew Gold, Michael Lipsey and Matt Ward, are the visionary musicians of Talujan. Described by the New York Times as an ensemble possessing an "edgy, unflagging energy", Talujon has been mesmerizing audiences since 1990. Talujon is thoroughly committed to the expansion of the contemporary percussion repertoire as well as the education and diversification of its worldwide audience. Over the past 20 years, Talujon has commissioned dozens of new works for percussion quartet.

Recent Talujon commissions include quartets by Alvin Lucier, Henry Threadgill, Ralph Shapey, Wayne Peterson, Julia Wolfe, Ushio Torikai, Louis Karchin, Eric Moe, Steve Ricks and Chien Yin Chen. Based in New York, the group’s performances have included collaborations with Steve Reich, James Tenney, Chou Wen Chung, The Brooklyn Philharmonic, Meredith Monk and Tan Dun at venues such as Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Merkin Concert Hall, Symphony Space, The Kitchen and the Knitting Factory.

Talujon has appeared in universities and concert halls throughout the US, and at such festivals as Taipei's Lantern Festival, BAM's Next Wave Festival, Muzik3 Festival, Chautauqua, Festival of New American Music and a recent European tour with Steve Reich and Bang on a Can. For the Carnegie Hall Neighborhood Concerts series, Talujon developed the program "A World of Influences", which incorporates Talujon group compositions featuring homemade instruments and traditional instruments. The group has also given master classes/workshops at institutions such as the Juilliard School, Stanford University, University of Virginia, State University at Buffalo, Harvard University and the University of Oregon.

The group, while maintaining a respectable touring history, always produces adventurous programs in New York City. Tajujon has presented these programs in the past to great praise, including first prize in the Chamber Music America Adventurous Programming Award. Talujon chooses its performing venues in order to maximize exposure to as broad an audience as possible. Talujon’s upcoming 20th season will feature past compositions written for the group as well as new works by Eric Moe, Steven Ricks, Christian Wolff, Ross Bauer and other American composers. These performances will take place at venues such as Symphony Space, Roulette, Merkin Hall, St. Peter’s Church and LeFrak Hall.