Vessels of Song: Precedents and Creation of Klezmer Suites for Mallet Ensemble
In this session Nicholas Papador and Heartland Marimba Quartet will present klezmer selections from Papador’s book Vessels of Song: A Collection of Klezmer Suites for Mallet Ensemble (2024, Heartland Marimba Publications). The presentation provides a precedent for klezmer performance on mallet instruments through contributions of a small but significant line of performers. Michel Józef Guzikow built his own instrument, the ‘stroyfidl,’ a xylophone prototype. His tour of Western Europe in the 1830s was a catalyst for the development of the orchestral xylophone. After the Ashkenazi immigration to North America, klezmer underwent a diasporic transformation as its musicians explored jazz and popular music. Joseph Moskowitz elevated the role of dulcimer instruments in New York and Jacob Hoffmann recorded as a xylophone soloist with the Kandel Orchestra in the 1920s. Attendees will hear and learn about enjoyable new ensemble literature with poignant historical and cultural significance.
Percussionist and composer Nicholas Papador holds the rank of Full Professor at the University of Windsor School of Creative Arts in Ontario, Canada. Heartland Marimba Publications released his book, Vessels of Song: A Collection of Klezmer Suites for Mallet Ensemble, in early 2024. Papador has presented internationally at events such as The Space Between, Transplanted Roots, Puerto Rico Conservatory International Percussion Festival, and PASIC. His recording credits include 2022’s Marimba Collage and 2015’s Points of Departure. He was an on-screen performer in Matthew Barney’s six-hour film opera, River of Fundament. He is honoured to be presenting his research and arrangements alongside the Heartland Marimba Quartet.
Since its inception in 2016, the Heartland Marimba Quartet has performed at over 250 concerts nationwide. HMQ offers a broad platform for the music of American and international composers. The ensemble's four distinct and creative members—Matthew Coley, Ryan Pearson, Marco Schirripa, and Hunter Gross—come together to form a virtuosic and electrifying ensemble. HMQ has been featured as soloists with the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra, Cheyenne Symphony, Minot Symphony, the University of Nebraska-Omaha Wind Ensemble, Millikin University Percussion Ensemble, and the International Marimba Orchestra. In 2022, HMQ was a featured guest artist at the renowned World Marimba Competition in Stuttgart, Germany. The quartet released their debut album, VISION, in 2019 and is featured on albums by Marco Schirripa and Matthew Coley. Dedicated to bringing marimba performance to all communities, especially those underserved, HMQ continues to provide numerous opportunities for artists, composers, and students at various stages of their careers. In line with this mission, HMQ was awarded a grant from New Music USA in 2020 and launched the New Quartets Project Consortium, commissioning six women composers. HMQ remains committed to enriching the musical landscape and inspiring audiences through performance and community engagement.
