The IUP Percussion Ensemble will present its spring concert on Thursday, March 31, 2022, at 8:00 p.m. in Cogswell Hall room 121. Under the direction of Ronald Horner, this concert will highlight the versatility, artistic depth, and charm of the steelpan—the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago. The IUP Steel Band performs on instruments crafted by Ellie Mannette—the “Father of the Modern Steel Drum.” The Steel Band has appeared in a number of concerts this spring at locations across western Pennsylvania.
The concert will also feature the artistry of composer/performer/educator Arthur Lipner, a leader in his generation of vibes and marimba artists. His 80-plus overseas tours include China and Russia (2019), 18 tours in Brazil, five to Mexico, and 40 to Europe. His legacy includes appearances on more than 50 albums, author of Vibes Real Book and Jazz Mallets: In Session, and composer of Crystal Mallet, Lime Juice, and much more. He has presented 300 educational workshops on six continents from NYC’s Juilliard to Moscow, London, and New Zealand. Arthur premiered his concerto Mallet Fantasia with the National Symphony of Brazil in Rio de Janeiro. About 100 Lipner compositions have been released on albums.
Lipner has constructed and played an ice xylophone in the mountains of Norway, performed in Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival, on a stone marimba in rural Iceland, at Marimba Park In Chiapas, Mexico, and much more. This and many other inspirational scenes are featured in the documentary Talking Sticks. Released in 2016, this highly acclaimed film discusses the history of vibes and marimba, exploring the role that they and creativity play in various cultures. Talking Sticks was filmed on location in Ghana, Mexico, Iceland, Brazil, Norway, and USA. Interviews include Gary Burton, Mike Mainieri, Ney Rosauro, and the only known video interview with marimba legend Vida Chenoweth. Arthur has been a NYC session player for over 30 years.
His discography includes a bluegrass album, tracks with the Russia tuvan throat singers “Alash,” five albums recorded in Brazil, and Chris Brubeck’s Waterworks. Arthur recorded nine solo albums on vibes, marimba, and steel drums for the NYC label Solo Sounds. In August 2018, on a repeat tour to Australia, he adjudicated the first-ever Australian Vibraphone Competition in Melbourne. In October 2021 Arthur performed Ney Rosauro’s first marimba concerto with the Walla Walla Symphony. In August 2019 he was the guest artist/adjudicator for the fifth China Marimba and Percussion Festival in Datong, China. Other notable Lipner appearances have included adjudicating in St. Petersburg, Russia (2019), CBS/ABC/NBC television shows, a concert for the King of Morocco (in Marrakech), and TV/radio throughout Latin America and Europe.
Open-minded and humble, Arthur gives thanks to the many opportunities he has been presented with in his efforts to help music bring joy and togetherness to the world. Arthur’s contributions to the art form of mallet playing continue to innovate, inspiring students and the general public worldwide.
Arthur attended the University of Delaware, University of North Texas, and Juilliard.
The concert is free and open to the public.