Tal (tal) adj. having to do with rhythmic cycles in Indian music
Lujon (loo-zhon) n. a metal log drum
Talujon (tal-loo-zhon) n. a four-member drum ensemble that performs classic and new music using traditional -- and not-so-traditional -- instruments

Mary Alice Bitts, Intelligencer Journal

 

Described by the New York Times as an ensemble possessing an "edgy, unflagging energy", the Talujon Percussion Quartet has been mesmerizing audiences since 1990. With an annual schedule of more than 60 concerts, including a dozen premieres, Talujon is thoroughly committed to the expansion of the contemporary percussion repertoire as well as the education and diversification of its worldwide audience. Recent Talujon commissions include quartets by Ralph Shapey, Wayne Peterson, Julia Wolfe, Ushio Torikai, Louis Karchin, Steven Ricks and Chien Yin Chen. Performances have included collaborations with James Tenney, Chou Wen Chung and Tan Dun.

Based in New York City, Talujon performs regularly at Alice Tully Hall, Merkin Concert Hall, the Kitchen, and the Knitting Factory. Talujon has appeared in universities and concert halls throughout the U.S., and on such festivals as Taipei's Lantern Festival, BAM's Next Wave Festival, Chautauqua, California's Festival of New American Music, 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 from six continents. The group has also given Master classes/workshops at institutions such as the Juilliard School, Stanford University and the University of Oregon.

Talujon's new CD, "...the speed of the passing time...", features the works of Xenakis, Harrison, Rzewski, Shapey and Talujon. The group's first CD, "Hum", includes live performances of works by Reich, Cage, Drummond, and Talujon.

Talujon is available for concerts, masterclasses, residencies, and workshops.