Steve Reich at 90: Drumming Part 1
Layered. Intense. Sound that keeps shifting
Who’s on stage
The Colin Currie Quartet takes centre stage for this intimate masterclass in percussion.
What they’re playing
The Colin Currie Quartet brings raw power and razor-sharp precision to Steve Reich’s Drumming Part 1. You’ll also hear Julia Wolfe’s Dark Full Ride, a brash, headbanging work for four drum kits that explodes with energy.
Need to know
Discounts: save if you’re under 17, aged 18 – 30, a classical first timer, or a group of 10 or more people. Check the details.
Multibuy: book two concerts and save 15%, book three or more and save 20%, across the Steve Reich at 90 weekend.
Running time: 1 hour, no interval.
Age: under 14s must be accompanied by an adult.
What you'll hear
Steve Reich Drumming Part 1
Julia Wolfe Dark Full Ride
Who's playing it
Colin Currie Quartet
What's happening in the music
Steve Reich’s Drumming Part 1 takes something simple and spins it into something spellbinding. Patterns layer up, shift, and slip away again, creating a rhythm that feels both precise and alive. The flow never stops – sections melt into each other, not with big jolts, but with subtle changes in sound and texture.
Dark Full Ride isn’t just a piece for percussion; it’s a sonic experience. Wolfe’s ability to sculpt rhythm makes this work a standout in contemporary chamber music. It’s a favourite among percussion ensembles for its physicality, complexity, and sheer adrenaline. Where Reich hypnotises, Wolfe detonates. Together, they show just how far rhythm can take you.
Take a listen
Enjoy the incredible skill of the Colin Currie Quartet performing Steve Reich’s Drumming Part 1.
