O BERIMBAU The Afro-Brazilian MUSICAL BOW

A LECTURE, PERFORMANCE, and WORKSHOP with
DR. GREG BEYER (Northern Illinois University)

Greg Beyer is a versatile percussionist who specializes in repertoire that places non-western instruments into the context of contemporary musical thought. Second-prize winner of the 2002 Geneva International Music Competition, Beyer has given solo performances and masterclasses throughout the United States, Europe, and Brazil. His project, O BERIMBAU, is an endeavor that involves ethnomusicological research on the berimbau and related musical bows, and the active composition and commission of new works for this ancient instrument. Beyer has presented this project at the 2001 and 2002 Percussive Arts Society International Conventions, and at a number of conservatories and universities around the world. His multi-media composition for berimbau, Bahian Counterpoint (Homage à Steve Reich), received its world premiere at the Banff Centre for the Arts in November 2002. Beyer garnered a 2003 ASCAP Standard Award for multiple performances of this work, and in March 2004 the piece was voted among the best of the SEAMUS festival held in San Diego, and is now available on the SEAMUS label. This workshop will explore some of the many facets of Beyer’s work with the musical bow.