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SOLO PROGRAMS

**This section is currently under construction. Will be fully updated Winter 2020. Some links in press kit may be broken while tech riders and stage plots are being finalized. Thanks for understanding!**

Leach currently offers several structured solo programs:

Synthesis, a solo recital including acoustic, electroacoustic, and theatrical works;
ELISION, a show comprised entirely of music for percussion + electronics;
Discovering Percussion, an interactive, flexible, and exploratory program with low gear needs; and
Seven Short Stories, a specialty program of percussion theatre.

Additional programs will be available in the 2021-2022 season.
Custom programs can be tailored to the artistic vision or logistical needs of a presenter.
Stage plots and tech riders are listed below for each program.

SYNTHESIS

full length solo recital with intermission

Synthesis is Leach’s solo recital program, made up of pieces representing the very best of the modern percussion repertoire. The program’s title comes from the combination of key elements within the show—some contrasting, and some complimentary—which define the performance. Percussion meets theatre, acoustic and electronic sounds come together, and serious art battles comedic shtick in a diverse, exploratory program that keeps the audience engaged from beginning to end.

Leach will speak from the stage during the first half of Synthesis, whereas the second half is presented continuously.

title of work

Tchik
Blues for Gilbert
Karnataka*
Elements
Le corps à corps

date

2006
1983
2019
2018
1978

composer

Nicolas Martynciow
Mark Glentworth
Emmanuel Séjourné
Stephen Karukas
Georges Aperghis

instrumentation

snare drum + voice
vibraphone
marimba*
setup
hand drum + theatre + voice

- intermission -

ELISION

full length electroacoustic show with intermission

A cutting-edge program brimming with innovative sounds, ELISION takes the audience on an exhilarating journey through the sonic landscape of electroacoustic percussion music. The performance focuses on the relationship between live and recorded sounds, which interact in different ways to expand the timbral capabilities of acoustic instruments. The electronics take on many roles throughout the program, by working cooperatively with, in opposition to, or completely independent of the performer. This fluctuating duality is precisely what defines the production, presenting twists and turns through moments of musical athleticism, comedy, and repose.

Leach will speak from the stage during the first half of ELISION, whereas the second half is presented continuously.

- intermission -

DISCOVERING PERCUSSION

one hour interactive recital without intermission

An accessible, engaging, and bite-sized concert program, Discovering Percussion is a great first introduction to the wonderful world of percussion. This performance features works written for all of the main percussion instruments, including marimba, vibraphone, snare drum, and multi percussion setup, offering a smorgasbord of sounds for new and experienced listeners alike. Combining formal performance elements with a casual vibe, Leach interacts with the audience throughout the show, discussing the works to be performed, the instruments themselves, and fielding questions as they arise. 

Discovering Percussion can be adapted for a variety of audiences (including young children) and tailored to fit a particular presenter’s vision, with substitutions or length adjustments as needed. Additional possibilities include the addition of electronics, or the curation of a specifically themed program.

Selections to be chosen from the repertoire listed below, depending on venue, audience, tour schedule, and presenter’s wishes:

SEVEN SHORT STORIES

one hour percussion theatre show without intermission

Seven Short Stories is a collection of theatrical pieces for speaking/acting percussionist, each portraying different emotions, characters, and ideas for an audience-centered performance that breaks down the fourth wall. Biggie Smalls samples meet sandwich-making, a Persian hand drum tells the story of a tragic racing accident, and an "invisible” bouncy ball will make its final reveal in this eclectic program that blurs the lines between theatrical production and solo recital.

CONTENT WARNING: Some pieces on the program contain explicit language, and others touch on subject matter that may be sensitive to some viewers, including toxic masculinity, emotional abuse, and suicide. The intent of this performance is to respectfully, openly, and artistically shine a light on these topics, and never to address them in unreasonable excess.