The experts in Steve Reich’s minimalist music celebrate more than half a century of his work
Pioneer of minimalism, Steve Reich is a living legend in contemporary classical music. Colin Currie – ‘the world’s finest and most daring percussionist’ (Spectator) formed his hand-picked ensemble expressly to explore Reich’s music. Currie returns to the Festival after his thrilling 2025 concert with the King’s Singers, to celebrate more than half of a century of Reich’s work.
The diverse programme ranges from the iconic Clapping Music (1972), based on traditional West African rhythmic patterns, to the larger-scale Radio Rewrite (2012), inspired by two songs by Radiohead. Other treats include the vibrant Quartet (2014), written for the Colin Currie Group, and the Pulitzer Prize-winning Double Sextet (2007).
The ensemble’s performances have been described as ‘technically impeccable and musically overwhelming’ (The Guardian) and ‘the musical equivalent of a high-wire act’ (The Telegraph). It‘s no wonder that Reich has chosen them to perform the world premiere of Festival co-commission In All Your Ways.
