The All Star Percussion Ensemble
Arranged and conducted by Harold Farberman

Comprised of some of the greatest percussionists from the major US symphony orchestras, the ensemble on this recording, produced by the legendary Andrew Kazdin, creates a sound landscape not often heard in the concert hall or on albums. The conductor, Harold Farberman, who was also responsible for the arrangements contained on the recording, provides direction resulting in a unified sound and balanced sonic platform for these demanding works.

Harold Farberman began his career as a percussionist, becoming at age 20 the youngest player in the history of the Boston Symphony Orchestra at that time, where he remained for 12 years under the leadership of Charles Munch and Erich Leinsdorf.

In 1953 he composed a work (“Evolution”) which was to alter the direction of his career. The composer Aaron Copland urged him to study composition, which he subsequently did at the New England Conservatory in Boston. He formed the New Arts Orchestra, touring the US. In 1963 he left the BSO to devote his time to composition and conducting, leading such orchestras as the Royal Philharmonic, London Symphony Orchestra, Stuttgart Philharmonic, etc.

The All Star Percussion Ensemble:
- Everett “Vic” Firth (Boston Symphony)
- Roland Kohloff (New York Philharmonic)
- Mickey Bookspan (Philadelphia Orchestra)
- Donald Miller (Cleveland Orchestra)
- Walter Rosenberger (New York Philharmonic)
- John Siroka (Pittsburgh Symphony)
- Morris Lang (New York Philharmonic)
- Bent Lylloff (Royal Danish Orchestra)
- Abraham Marcus (Metropolitan Opera Orchestra)
- Arthur Press (Boston Symphony)