Whats the New Percussion Group of Amsterdam?
The New Percussion Group of Amsterdam (Neuwe Slagwerkgroep of Amsterdam – N.S.A) is a percussion ensemble with a very individual and separate identity, lying within the beating heart of some of one of the world’s greatest orchestras, the Amsterdam Concertgebouw Orchestra. Founded in 1980 by the two solo percussionists, Jan Pustjens and Niels Le Large, the N.S.A. has a specific remit to bring new and adventurous percussion works to a young and modern audience. The group has received much critical acclaim for its appearances in many concert series apart from its own productions, and has encouraged, inspired, and expanded the repertoire for percussion ensembles. Neils had come across my work in the early 1970s, but it wasn’t until 1985 that he got an opportunity to invite me to perform as a guest soloist with the group, on a work written specifically for me – Go Between. Also invited was the eminent Japanese composer and virtuoso, Keiko Abe. She studied percussion, composition and piano a
