Kroumata
The Swedish percussion ensemble Kroumata are penned “brilliant” and “athletic” by the Daily Telegraph. Gramophone Magazine has written that “The precision of the Kroumata players is no less remarkable than their horsepower”. The ensemble consists of Ulrik Nilsson, Johan Silvmark, Anders Holdar and Roger Bergström. Holdar was one of the founders of Kroumata and the only one of the current line-up that has been a member since the foundation in 1978. The name has its roots in ancient Greece, where it was a collective term for all kinds of percussion instruments.
After extensive touring in Europe and Asia, Kroumata released its first record in 1983. It was recorded on stage in Gothenburg Concert Hall, which posed a bit of a challenge: “We had to stand with our legs wide on stage (...) to avoid hearing the creaking floor on the recording”, Kroumata writes in their 20th anniversary book from 1998. Since their debut, the ensemble has release more than 20 records.
More than 220 works has had their world premiere by Kroumata in more than 40 countries. Among the composers, the most famous are Iannis Xenakis, John Cage and Steve Reich – the latter will be played on Ultima. In their native Sweden, Kroumata has built up a solid fanbase from all ages and backgrounds. One of their biggest fans is H.R.H. King Carl Gustaf XVI. He especially requested them for the celebration of his 50th birthday in 1996. For another anniversary, when the capital Stockholm turned 750 years in 2002, Kroumata organized and performed a concert by the Royal Palace.