BRB Series #3 Alex Petcu

We’ve put together great little series that reflects our live concert programme, with a mix of jazz, classical, folk and all the stuff that doesn’t fit neatly elsewhere. Concerts are short and sweet (15 – 25 mins), informal and beautifully performed.
We know, it’s not the same, but it’ll keep us going til we all get together again. Vids will be posted on Facebook and YouTube and available to watch whenever suits.
Hope you enjoy them!

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Put simply, Alex Petcu’s playing is mesmerising. We have worked with Alex many times over the years, and he always leaves us in awe.

Releasing his first album for solo percussion in 2015, the Cork-born musician has quickly developed a reputation for innovation in the world of percussion, often utilising improvised instruments including bottles, beer-kegs, scrap metal, car parts - “everything makes a sound when you hit it” says Alex.

A member of the Crash Ensemble, the classically trained percussionist was born into quite the musical dynasty. His mother, Romanian violinist Ruxandra Colan, came to Ireland in 1978 to play with the RTÉ String Quartet, and was followed by his father, Adrian Petcu. His older sister, Ioana, is also a violin player, and associate leader with the Ulster Orchestra. But it was drums that grabbed the attention of Alex, and we’re all the happier for it!

For this concert Alex has put together a beautiful programme of Bach,
Ravel, and Komitas - often accompanying himself via split screen – and for the final piece is joined by sister, Ioana on violin. Enjoy!

Programme:
- Bach: Prelude from English Suite No 2
- Ravel: Alborada del Gracioso (arranged by Safri Duo)
- Komitas: Ampel A (an Armenian folk song, with Ioana)