Amadrums

A percussion ensemble created at the Academy of Music in Kraków on the initiative of Prof. Jan Pilch. The ensemble is comprised of students and graduates of the Academy. Dependent on the repertoire being performed, the composition of the ensemble is subject to change. Individual members of Amadrums specialize in the performance of classical, jazz, ethnic, avant-garde and popular entertainment music, collaborating with recognized performers, ensembles and orchestras on the Polish music scene. Their diverse skills and experiences and common passion induce them to take up new musical challenges. Its founder – Jan Pilch – continually works on achieving a coherent sound and taming the ensemble members’ temperaments. The group’s repertoire encompasses works of contemporary percussion literature composed for very varied instrumental groupings: compositions containing elements of music theater and electronics; works with stylistic features akin to jazz music; and also their own compositions. During the group’s concerts, listeners have an opportunity to encounter works combining elements of different cultures. The ensemble has to its credit several world premières of works by composers from Poland and other countries. The group, from the beginning of its activity, has appeared at many important international and Polish festivals, including the DAM Festival in Kosovo, Nagyerdei Autumn (Hungary), Warsaw Autumn, the Sources and Inspirations Percussion Festival and Audio Art. Part of the group, since 2007, is the Amadrums Trio, which in 2010 won the Grand Prix and Sound New prizes at the 14th International Competition of Contemporary Chamber Music in Kraków.