Adams Musical Instruments - Together in Music

Mallet Collective

malletcollective.com

Since their debut concert at the Royal Concertgebouw Amsterdam in 2016, Mallet Collective has become an integral part of the international music scene and has been known for staging special concert formats in (un)usual venues. In addition, they introduce their audience to the multifaceted sound world of melodic percussion instruments. The collective, which features a variable line-up, brings together Europe's mallet percussionists who create a space of freedom and exploration in their concerts, in which the traditions of classical music merge with the innovative sounds of contemporary trends. A unifying adoration for the marimba, and a constant aim on delivering the upmost quality of sound is what makes Mallet Collective a greatly balanced and distinctive entity.

The ensemble was founded by its artistic director, Ramon Lormans, and has set itself the goal of expanding the repertoire for the marimba and vibraphone. This has resulted not only in original creations, but also in compositions specially written for the ensemble in close collaboration with various composers such as Sarah Neutkens, David Six, Aart Strootman, Jo Sporck, Greg Saunier and Anne-Maartje Lemereis.

Mallet Collective stands for diversity, which is not only reflected in its musicians and programs, but also in their venues and goals. Their programs include topics such as sustainability, education and health. They always refer to political, economic and social events, as well as focus on interdisciplinary exchange. They perform on the classical stage, as well as unconventional stages for example in the swimming pool by exploring the sound experiences of music under water or in the yoga studio as part of meditation concerts.

The musical diversity of the ensemble is also reflected in the numerous activities with which they have achieved considerable success at national and international level within a very short time.

They have made guest appearances at the TROMP Percussion Competition & Festival, the World Minimal Music Festival, the Lausanne Percussion Festival, the November Music festival, Hiroshima Marimba Junior Festival Oranjewoud festival, and the World Marimba Competition Stuttgart, among others. Their chamber music partners include artist such as Lucas & Arthur Jussen, Ella van Poucke, Stephen Waarts, Cello Octet Amsterdam, TEMKO, Pa’Dam chamber choir, Percossa or the Swiss Tchiki Duo.

For the upcoming season 25/26, Mallet Collective has conceived various chamber music programs such as "53 years and no religion and no telescope", "W.A.L.L.", “Views from Dutch trains” and "Canto Ostinato". In addition, a CD trilogy will be released in May 2025, in which works from solo through to chamber music up to six marimbas have been recorded.

Mallet Collective works closely together with Adams Musical Instruments and plays exclusively on their instruments.