Timpani Listening

Craig Zerbe – Timpanist with the Raleigh Symphony Orchestra

Jonathan Haas – Virtuoso timpanist Jonathan Haas has raised the status of the timpani to that of a solo instrument throughout his unique career. From classical concertos to jazz and rock & roll, from symphonic masterpieces to the most experimental compositions…Haas has championed, commissioned, unearthed and celebrated music for his instrument.

Haas has garnered widespread praise and attention for his performances of Philip Glass’ Concerto Fantasy for Two Timpanists and Orchestra, a piece conceived by Haas and completed because of his quest to spotlight the timpani.  The Concerto Fantasy features not only two timpanists, but also 14 timpani, all placed downstage in front of the orchestra.

Demonstrating a remarkable versatility as a musician, Haas has performed and recorded with Emerson, Lake and Palmer, played on the Grammy Award-winning recording Zappa’s Universe, recorded with Aerosmith, Michael Bolton, Black Sabbath, and explored heavy metal with his rock group Clozshave.

Haas is the principal timpanist of the Aspen Chamber Orchestra and principal percussionist of the American Symphony Orchestra, as well as a member of the American Composers Orchestra.  He performs with the Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra, New York Pops, and New Jersey Symphony and has performed and recorded with virtually every other New York-area performing arts organization.  (Excerpt taken from Mr. Haas’ website).